Suspected Carbon-Monoxide Leak Claims Lives of At Least 33 Miners in Nigeria
At least 33 miners have tragically lost their lives in a suspected carbon-monoxide leak at a lead and zinc mine in Nigeria’s Plateau state, according to eyewitness accounts shared with the BBC. This incident, which unfolded just before dawn outside Wase, involved a deadly accumulation of toxic gas in poorly ventilated tunnels. Here are the key details:
– Incident Timing: The suspected carbon-monoxide leak occurred around 06:30 local time (05:30 GMT), as miners were concluding their night shift.
– Casualties: Initial reports indicated that 37 miners died, but state officials later revised the figure to 33 following a preliminary investigation.
– Witness Accounts: Safiyanu Haruna, a miner who discovered the bodies as his shift began, stated, It was carbon-monoxide gas that leaked and killed them. There was no rescue for them at the time because those who were coming for the morning shift had yet to arrive.
– Survivors: Over 20 miners were rescued and transported to a hospital in Wase for treatment.
– Government Response: The Nigerian government has halted mining licenses in the disaster area and ordered a thorough investigation into the accident. Security personnel have secured the site, located approximately 200 km (124 miles) southeast of Jos, the state capital.
– Local Impact: The victims, primarily men aged 20 to 40, were buried shortly after the incident in accordance with local customs, bringing deep sorrow to their predominantly Muslim community.
– Concerns Over Safety: This devastating event raises fresh alarms about safety standards within Nigeria’s mining sector, coming less than two years after a similar disaster in nearby Niger state, where a collapse trapped gold miners.
The slow response from state officials has been attributed to security issues in the region caused by armed criminal gangs. The community is grieving the loss of young miners striving to support their families. This heart-wrenching incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety regulations to prevent future tragedies related to dangerous working conditions.
For further updates on this developing story and additional news from Africa, visit BBCAfrica.com or follow us on social media.