By Erewunmi Peace

At least 37 miners are feared dead and about 25 others hospitalized after a toxic gas leak at an underground mining site in the Company Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Eyewitnesses reported that the miners were overcome by carbon monoxide that had accumulated in the poorly ventilated tunnels, causing multiple workers to collapse.

The incident occurred early on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, at a site reportedly operated without proper safety measures.

Local authorities, including the police and military, secured the mining site to prevent further casualties while rescue teams retrieved bodies and evacuated survivors.

Hospital reports indicate that some of the hospitalized miners are in critical condition, receiving urgent medical attention.

Residents and community leaders expressed shock at the tragedy, noting that illegal mining operations often lack safety protocols, making workers extremely vulnerable to such hazards.

The Plateau State government has promised a thorough investigation into the incident and pledged to take measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.