No fewer than 33 miners have been confirmed dead following a deadly explosion at a mining site in Kampani Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Jos by the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs Joyce Ramnap.

According to the statement, the explosion occurred at a mining site reportedly owned by Solid Unit Nig. Ltd, where scores of miners were working underground at the time of the incident.

“The Plateau Government received with deep shock and profound sadness reports of a tragic explosion at a mining site in Kampani Zurak,” the commissioner said.

She disclosed that preliminary information indicated that 33 persons were inside the mining tunnel when the explosion occurred, leading to multiple fatalities.

Ramnap added that several other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment in nearby hospitals.

She said the Plateau State Government was deeply concerned about the tragic development and had activated relevant response mechanisms to manage the situation.

“Government is working closely with relevant security agencies, emergency responders and health authorities to ensure that the situation is brought under control,” she stated.

The commissioner expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and urged residents of Kampani Zurak and its environs to remain calm and law-abiding as authorities continue investigations and rescue operations.