Over 100 dead in Central African Republic gold mine collapse
An artisanal mine collapse in Zamboye has killed more than 100 people, prompting an investigation into site management and safety standards.
A gold mine collapse in the Central African Republic has killed more than 100 people, according to a senior official at a local mining association. The incident occurred on Tuesday in the village of Zamboye, located near the border with Cameroon.
A prosecutor confirmed the collapse and stated that an investigation will be opened to determine the cause of the accident and identify who was managing the site. While the exact number of casualties is still being established, local officials indicate that the death toll is likely to rise.
Bertrand Be Yangué, a member of the Zamboye youth council, noted that several people remain missing or trapped under the rubble. He described the situation as tragic, stating that finding survivors would be a miracle. Yangué expressed grief over the loss of young men and women who worked in the mines to support their families.
Footage from the scene showed miners, described as mostly young men and women covered in mud, recovering bodies from the pit. Dozens of other workers were seen scattered around the expansive site, with some shouting for help as rescue efforts continued.
In response to the disaster, Cameroonian authorities stated they are prepared to receive and provide medical care to any injured individuals who cross the border. This cross-border assistance highlights the immediate humanitarian response to the incident.
The collapse underscores the persistent risks associated with small-scale extraction mining across Africa. Weak regulation and poor safety standards in the sector frequently lead to deadly accidents, despite the vital role these operations play in supporting local livelihoods.
