- The number of deaths from a gold mine collapse in a western part of Central African Republic has risen to more than 100.
- In addition to the dead, several survivors were critically injured, according to Gervais Ganagoroh, a local Red Cross volunteer involved in relief efforts.
- The death number is likely to rise since several people were still missing and others were trapped under the rubble, said Bertrand Be Yangue, a member of the Zamboye youth council.
- An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the collapse, identify the victims and those responsible for operating the site, and establish any potential criminal liability.
- The low-tech, artisanal gold mine collapsed Tuesday morning in the village of Zamboye, in the Nana-Mambere prefecture, near the border with Cameroon.
- Artisanal mine collapses are common in the Central African Republic, where several thousand people work in small-scale extraction mining.
At least 100 people have died after an illegal gold mine collapsed in Zamboye, Central African Republic, with many still missing. The disaster occurred on Tuesday morning in the Nana-Mambere prefecture, near the Cameroon border, where artisanal mining is prevalent.1356
Local officials and Red Cross volunteers reported that several survivors were critically injured. Gervais Ganagoroh, a Red Cross volunteer, stated, "Finding them alive would be a miracle," highlighting the dire situation as rescue efforts continue.2
The local youth council member, Bertrand Be Yangue, expressed heartbreak over the tragedy, saying, "We are saddened and heartbroken to see young men and women perish after coming to the mines to save their families from despair."
An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the collapse and to hold accountable those responsible for the mine's operation. The prosecutor at the Baboua sub-prefecture court emphasized the need to identify victims and establish any potential criminal liability.4
Artisanal mine collapses are not uncommon in the Central African Republic, where thousands engage in small-scale extraction mining, often under hazardous conditions.
“Several survivors were critically injured, according to Gervais Ganagoroh, a local Red Cross volunteer involved in relief efforts. Bertrand Be Yangue, a member of the Zamboye youth council, noted that the death toll is likely to rise as many remain trapped under the rubble.”
