- Gold mine collapse in Central African Republic has resulted in over 100 fatalities.
- Hopes of finding survivors were fading two days after the collapse, as many remain buried under debris.
- Rescuers are continuing to recover bodies from the artisanal mining site in Zamboye, near the border with Cameroon.
- Local Red Cross volunteer Gervais Ganagoro reported that more than 10 bodies were recovered Thursday morning alone, with bodies being discovered every hour.
- A miner at the site, Jérémie Ngbiri, expressed concerns that the rescue effort was inadequate, stating he witnessed some victims suffocate during attempts to rescue them.
- Rescue efforts are reportedly lacking in equipment and expertise necessary for a disaster of this scale.
Rescuers are continuing to recover bodies from the artisanal gold mine collapse in Zamboye, Central African Republic, where over 100 people have died and hopes of finding survivors are fading. Local miner Jérémie Ngbiri, who lost family members, criticized the inadequate response, stating, “The rescue effort is being organized, but it is not up to the task.”12378
The local Red Cross reported that more than 10 bodies were recovered on Thursday morning alone, with volunteer Gervais Ganagoro noting, “Every hour, bodies are being discovered, increasing the number of victims.” The Baboua subprefecture court has opened an investigation into the collapse, which was caused by several underground tunnels giving way, leading to a landslide.456
Mines Minister Rufin Benam Beltoungou expressed condolences to the victims’ families and cautioned miners about the dangers of unsafe practices. Artisanal mine collapses are common in the region, where thousands work in small-scale mining with minimal safety measures. Pits, often dug by hand, can reach several meters deep, and without proper reinforcement, they are prone to sudden collapses.
As recovery efforts continue, the community grapples with the tragedy and the urgent need for improved safety regulations in artisanal mining operations.
“At the artisanal site in Zamboye near Cameroon, local Red Cross volunteer Gervais Ganagoro said more than 10 bodies were recovered Thursday morning alone, with bodies found every hour. Miner Jérémie Ngbiri, who lost his brother and a friend, said the rescue effort was not up to the task and that some victims suffocated during attempts.”
AP News
