A TOXIC gas leak has killed nearly 40 miners in Nigeria, with at least 26 others hospitalised after breathing in noxious chemicals in the shaft.
The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Kampani Zurak community, located in north-east of the country.
36 miners have diedCredit: Reuters
Police spokesman Alfred Alabo said a preliminary investigation revealed 36 miners died following a sudden discharge of lead oxide and other associated gases like sulphur and carbon monoxide.
The gases are toxic and poisonous to humans, particularly in a confined or poorly ventilated environment, he said.
It’s understood the miners had no idea they were breathing in deadly fumes until they started to report feeling unwell.
The corpses of the deceased victims have been released to their families for burial according to their religious practices.
The Nigerian government has closed the mining site and an investigation into the leak is underway.
The miners were unaware of the toxic nature of the emissions and continued their operations, Nigerias Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake said in a statement.
It’s not clear what was being mined at the site and whether the mine was operating legally.
Nigeria is trying to rein in illegal gold mining operations across the country that have killed hundreds of people over the years.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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