JOS, Nigeria — A suspected toxic gas explosion at a mining site in Kampani (Company) Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, has killed dozens of miners, prompting the state government to call for an urgent investigation and stronger safety enforcement at extractive sites. Casualty figures varied in early reports. Plateau State’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, said preliminary information indicated at least 33 people were inside an underground tunnel when the blast occurred, with many feared dead and several others injured and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
International wire reports put the toll higher. Xinhua quoted local officials as saying at least 38 people were killed in the incident, describing an accumulation of toxic gases — believed to include carbon monoxide — in underground tunnels during peak operations. Anadolu Agency similarly reported at least 37 deaths, adding that eyewitnesses said some miners were rescued alive and rushed to hospitals. According to Xinhua, the explosion occurred Wednesday morning (Feb. 18, 2026) at a lead mining site in the Zurak community, affecting mostly miners working underground. A local traditional authority, identified as the acting district head, described the scene as catastrophic and said many of the victims were young men.
In a condolence message conveyed through the commissioner, the Plateau State Government said it received the reports “with deep shock and profound sadness,” extending condolences to bereaved families and pledging to work with security agencies, emergency responders and health authorities to stabilize the situation and support survivors. Ramnap urged federal and state bodies responsible for mining regulation, safety enforcement and disaster response to intervene quickly, investigate the cause of the blast and ensure compliance with safety standards, particularly around underground ventilation and gas monitoring.
Separately, the report cited outreach from Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal to Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, with a directive for the immediate shutdown of mining activities in the affected area pending the outcome of investigations. The incident adds to growing concern about risks around mining operations in Plateau, where safety lapses and insecurity at sites have repeatedly drawn public attention.
