No fewer than 37 miners have reportedly died following suspected carbon monoxide exposure at an underground mining site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday while the miners were carrying out routine operations underground. The victims, mostly young men aged between 20 and 35, were said to have inhaled toxic gas that seeped from the mine tunnels and collapsed at the site.
Twenty-five other miners were rescued and taken to nearby health facilities for medical treatment.

Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, said the state government was aware of the tragedy but had yet to receive official casualty figures.

Police sources disclosed that the mining site has been secured to prevent further exposure and to allow investigators determine the circumstances surrounding the suspected gas leak.

Health experts warn that underground miners face serious risks from toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, which can displace oxygen in the bloodstream and lead to severe complications or death.