At least 37 people were killed and 26 others hospitalized after a toxic gas leak at a mining site in north-central Nigeria, according to police.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Kampani Zurak community in the Wase area of Plateau state, reported AP.
Police spokesman Alfred Alabo said preliminary findings point to the release of hazardous gases inside the mine.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the miners were affected due to a sudden discharge of lead oxide and other associated gases like sulphur and carbon monoxide which are toxic and poisonous to humans, particularly in a confined or poorly ventilated environment,” he said.
Alabo added, “The corpses of the deceased victims have been released to their families for burial according to their religious practices.”
Authorities have since closed the mining site and launched an investigation into the cause of the leak.
Nigeria’s minister of solid minerals development Dele Alake said the miners were unaware of the toxic nature of the emissions and continued working at the site.
It was not immediately clear what mineral was being extracted or whether the operation was legal. Nigeria has in recent years sought to curb illegal gold mining activities, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths across the country, the AP reported.
Further details are awaited as investigations continue.
