Toxic gas leak at mine in Nigeria kills 37 people
A toxic gas leak occurred at a mine in north-central Nigeria, resulting in 37 fatalities and the hospitalization of 26 individuals, as reported by the police. The incident took place on Tuesday, in the Kampani Zurak community, Wase area of Plateau state.
A toxic gas leak occurred at a mine in north-central Nigeria, resulting in 37 fatalities and the hospitalization of 26 individuals, as reported by the police. The incident took place on Tuesday, in the Kampani Zurak community, Wase area of Plateau state.
According to a statement by police spokesman Alfred Alabo, preliminary investigations indicate that the miners were exposed to lead oxide and other gases, such as sulfur and carbon monoxide, which are hazardous and poisonous in confined or poorly ventilated environments. The deceased have been released to their families for burial in accordance with religious customs.
The Nigerian government has officially closed the mining site, and an investigation into the cause of the leak is currently underway. The miners reportedly lacked awareness of the toxic nature of the emissions, which led to continued operations despite the risks, as stated by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.
A toxic gas leak occurred at a mine in north-central Nigeria, resulting in 37 fatalities and the hospitalization of 26 individuals, as reported by the police.
The specific mineral being extracted at the site has not been disclosed, nor has the legal status of the mining operations been confirmed. The Nigerian government is actively working to address illegal gold mining activities across the nation, which have resulted in numerous fatalities over the years.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
