Toxic gas leak in Nigeria mine kills 37, injures 26
A toxic gas leak at a mine in Nigeria has killed 37 people and left 26 injured in hospital.
The incident, which is said to have taken place at 06:30 on Tuesday 17 February, occurred when poisonous lead, sulphur and carbon monoxide were suddenly discharged into the shaft, killing 37 miners working underground.
Confirming the cause of the incident, police spokesman Alfred Alabo said that "these gases are toxic and poisonous to humans, particularly in a confined or poorly ventilated environment".
He added that the bodies of the deceased had been released to their families for burial in accordance with their religious practices.
The miners were said to have not realised they were breathing in deadly fumes until they started to become unwell, according to the Nigerian government. The tragedy is believed to have happened outside the town of Wase at a mine run by the mining company Solid Unity Nigeria Ltd.
The BBC reports that the Nigerian government has suspended mining licences in the affected area and ordered an investigation into the disaster.
