By BANNERNEWS Reporter
No fewer than 38 miners have died following a carbon monoxide leak at a mining site in Kampani Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday while the miners had returned to the site after observing their morning prayers.
A local miner, Safiyanu Haruna, who confirmed the incident, said more than 20 other miners sustained injuries and were rushed to a hospital in Wase town for treatment.
Haruna explained that the victims had temporarily left the mining site around dawn for prayers but were overcome by the toxic gas shortly after they returned.
“It was carbon monoxide gas that leaked and killed them. Around 5:30 am, they were alive when they left for prayers. When they returned, they were found in that condition,” he said.
He added that the absence of early responders worsened the situation, as those scheduled to resume work later in the morning had not yet arrived to initiate rescue efforts.
According to him, funeral prayers for the deceased miners were already underway in the community amid widespread grief.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
However, residents said the chairman of Wase Local Government Area was present at the funeral prayers in solidarity with the bereaved families and the community.
