38 Killed in Gas Explosion at Lead Mine in Nigeria
AFP/APP
Nigeria: At least 38 miners were killed and 27 others injured following a gas explosion at a lead mining site in central Nigeria’s Plateau State, local sources confirmed on Tuesday.
The incident occurred at the Kampanin Zurak mining site in the Bashar district of Plateau State during the early hours of the morning.
“So far, 38 people are confirmed dead and about 27 others have been rushed to hospital,” said Alhaji Aliyu Adamu Idris, the acting traditional ruler of the area.
According to Ibrahim Dattijo Sani, a miner working at a nearby pit, the victims were underground when the explosion took place between 7:30 and 8:00 am (0630–0700 GMT).
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“We are close to the sites. People were inside the mining pits when suddenly gas exploded,” Sani told AFP. “We made several rescue efforts, but unfortunately 38 people lost their lives, while others were taken to hospital.”
A confidential security report seen by AFP attributed the deaths to carbon monoxide poisoning, suggesting the blast released toxic gas into the underground shafts.
Kampanin Zurak, an old mining settlement located in the Wase district of Plateau State, is home to several small-scale mining operations. Idris stated that the affected site is operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the explosion or announce any investigation into the incident.
