A gas explosion at a lead mine in Plateau State has killed at least 38 miners. The blast happened on Tuesday morning at the Kampanin Zurak site. This tragedy has left the local community in deep mourning. Rescue operations have now concluded. Medical teams are now focusing on the 27 survivors receiving emergency care.
Local authorities confirmed this blast was one of the most lethal in regional history. In addition to the deaths, 27 people were injured. They suffered from physical trauma and chemical inhalation. Most required immediate transport to regional hospitals.
Details of the Mining Explosion
The disaster struck during the early morning shift. It occurred between 7:30 and 8:00 am. Witnesses say the victims were deep inside subterranean pits when the gas ignited. Most of the workforce was concentrated in the shaft’s most vulnerable areas.
Alhaji Aliyu Adamu Idris is the acting traditional ruler of the district. He provided the grim casualty figures during an address to the community. He noted the heavy social impact this has had on the historical settlement.
“So far, 38 people are confirmed dead. About 27 others have been rushed to the hospital,” Idris stated.
The Cause: Gas Ignitions and Carbon Monoxide
Initial reports identified a gas explosion as the primary trigger. However, a confidential security report later offered a more detailed medical cause. The report attributes the high death toll to carbon monoxide poisoning.
This suggests a two-stage tragedy occurred:
- The Initial Blast: A pocket of trapped gas ignited. This caused structural damage and immediate injuries.
- The Lethal Aftermath: The explosion generated high levels of carbon monoxide.
In a confined underground space, this odorless gas is lethal. Even those not killed by the blast were likely overcome by fumes. They were trapped behind debris or trying to find an exit.
Eyewitness Accounts and Rescue Efforts
Ibrahim Dattijo Sani was working at a neighboring pit during the disaster. He described a scene of sudden chaos. He heard the blast echo through the surrounding mining fields.
“People were inside the pits and suddenly a gas exploded,” Sani recounted. Fellow miners and residents launched a rescue mission immediately. However, they lacked specialized equipment. The air within the pit remained highly toxic.
“We tried many efforts for rescue. Unfortunately, 38 people had already died,” Sani added. Carbon monoxide displaces oxygen in the blood very quickly. Without breathing gear, rescue windows are measured in minutes.
Operational Context: Solid Unit Nigeria Limited
Kampanin Zurak is an established but aging mining settlement. It is located in the Wase district. Traditional leaders say Solid Unit Nigeria Limited manages the specific site where the tragedy occurred.
Plateau State is vital to Nigeria’s industrial history. Its capital, Jos, is known as “Tin City.” It was once a global hub for tin and columbite. However, the landscape has changed:
- Corporate Exit: Major mining firms left the region decades ago.
- Artisanal Mining: Smaller, regulated activities have replaced large-scale firms. These often lack safety infrastructure.
- Ventilation Hazards: Small pits often lack systems to prevent gas buildup. This increases the risk of “silent killers” like carbon monoxide.
The Broader Mining Crisis in Nigeria
The Kampanin Zurak tragedy is part of a worsening trend in Nigeria. The industry faces two major crises: safety neglect and illegal exploitation.
Lack of Regulatory Oversight
In September, a similar disaster hit Zamfara State. There, 18 people died when a boulder collapsed onto a mine. These events show a failure to enforce safety protocols at rural sites.
The Link to Insecurity
Authorities often link unregulated mining to the rise of banditry. Criminal gangs occupy mineral-rich lands. They extort “protection fees” from miners. This revenue is often used to buy arms. This further destabilizes the northern and central regions.
Conclusion: A Call for Safety and Reform
The loss of 38 lives is a stark reminder of industry dangers. Families are now burying their loved ones. The focus must now move to the accountability of operating firms.
To prevent future tragedies, there must be a push for:
- Gas Monitoring: Enforcing the use of methane and carbon monoxide sensors.
- Ventilation Standards: Ensuring all deep pits have adequate airflow.
- Formalization: Moving unregulated mines into a formal, inspected system.
The “Tin City” has given much to Nigeria’s economy. The government must ensure that miners do not pay for this wealth with their lives.
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