A toxic gas leak at a mine in north-central Nigeria killed 37 people and led to the hospitalization of 26 others.

Axar.az informs, citing AP, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Kampani Zurak community, located in the Wase area of Plateau state, police spokesman Alfred Alabo said in a statement.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the miners were affected due to a sudden discharge of lead oxide and other associated gases like sulfur and carbon monoxide which are toxic and poisonous to humans, particularly in a confined or poorly ventilated environment,” he said.

The Nigerian government has closed the mining site and an investigation into the leak is underway.