JOS PLATEAU, Nigeria: A gas explosion on Wednesday killed at least 38 lead miners who were down the pits at a mine in central Nigeria’s Plateau state, local sources told AFP. Twenty-seven others were injured in the blast at the Kampanin Zurak mining site in Plateau state’s Bashar district, the acting traditional ruler told AFP. “It is true that so far 38 people are confirmed dead and about 27 others have been rushed to hospital,” AlHajji Aliyu Adamu Idris said.

JOS PLATEAU, Nigeria: A gas explosion on Wednesday killed at least 38 lead miners who were down the pits at a mine in central Nigeria’s Plateau state, local sources told AFP.…

The tragedy is believed to have happened just before sunrise as the workers neared the end of their shift.

Illegal mining is a widespread issue in Nigeria, where operations lack both government oversight and safety protocols.