Over 30 miners die, 25 hospitalised in Wase carbon monoxide tragedy

2026-02-18 - 13:56

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos ZURAK, Wase — At least 30 miners were killed and 25 others hospitalised on Wednesday after inhaling carbon monoxide while working underground at a mining site in Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State. Eyewitnesses said the victims, mostly young men aged 20 to 35, collapsed while carrying out routine operations at the mining company. Some of the injured are in critical condition and receiving treatment at a nearby primary health centre. Haruna Safiyanu, a miner in Wase, told reporters that toxic gas had accumulated in poorly ventilated tunnels, leading to the sudden collapse of several workers. Rescue teams, assisted by mining site personnel, quickly cordoned off the area and evacuated survivors for urgent medical attention. Authorities are investigating the cause of the gas build-up and working to prevent further incidents.