37 Miners Dead, 25 Hospitalized After Suspected Carbon Monoxide Exposure in Plateau State
✍️ By Tobi | February 18, 2026 | 16:54 PM
At least 37 miners have reportedly died after being exposed to carbon monoxide while working at an underground mining site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred in the early hours of Today as the miners were extracting zinc. Toxic gas reportedly filled the tunnels during the operation, leading to a collapse within the mining site. Many of the miners inhaled the gas while carrying out their activities underground.
Most of the victims were young men aged between 20 and 35, engaged in routine mining operations at the time of the incident. Twenty-five other miners who survived the exposure have been taken to a nearby health facility, where they are receiving medical treatment.
Confirming the tragedy, the Executive Chairman of Wase Local Government Area, Hamisu Anani, described the deaths as worrisome and particularly tragic, occurring during the holy month of Ramadan when many Muslims are observing fasting and prayers.
Anani stated that the mining site has been secured to prevent further casualties and to allow investigators to determine the exact cause of the gas leak. He also appealed to state and federal governments to assist the victims and their families, emphasizing the painful impact the incident has had on the local community.
Efforts are ongoing to support the victims while investigations continue into the circumstances that led to the carbon monoxide exposure.
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