More than 100 dead after goldmine collapses in Central African Republic

More than 100 people have died following a catastrophic collapse at an artisanal goldmine in the village of Zamboye, located in western Central African Republic (CAR). The disaster occurred on Tuesday afternoon, according to local officials and aid workers, who confirmed the death toll on Wednesday. The incident took place near the border with Cameroon, approximately 50 kilometers from the town of Baboua. Initial reports indicated that a landslide triggered the collapse, burying miners beneath a massive pile of earth and debris. Footage shared on social media appears to capture the moment the ground gave way, sending a cascade of sand and rock onto a group of individuals, likely miners working at the site. Local authorities stated that multiple people remained trapped under the rubble, though the exact number of casualties has yet to be officially confirmed. Gervais Ganagoroh, a Red Cross volunteer assisting with the relief operation, informed the Associated Press that over 100 bodies had already been recovered. This figure was corroborated by a senior official within a local mining association, who relayed the information to Reuters. Authorities in CAR have initiated an investigation into the cause of the collapse. A second prosecutor from Baboua suggested that the incident resulted from the failure of several underground tunnels, where miners were actively working. Cedric Mbango, one of the miners present at the site, described the event as “catastrophic,” stating that the ground simply gave way, engulfing those below. Rescuers are currently engaged in efforts to recover the deceased and locate any surviving miners. These individuals are primarily from CAR and Cameroon, with Cameroon's Eastern region confirming that at least three of its citizens were among the victims. Grégoire Mvongo, the regional governor, expressed his commitment to coordinating with CAR officials to manage the aftermath of the tragedy. Meanwhile, Bertrand Be Yangué, a representative of the Zamboye youth council, conveyed deep sorrow over the loss of life. He remarked that finding any survivors would be nothing short of miraculous, emphasizing the emotional impact of the disaster on the community. Yangué further noted that the toll is anticipated to increase as search operations continue. Heavy machinery, including tractors, is being deployed in the ongoing recovery efforts. However, some concerns have emerged regarding the potential risk these machines pose to any remaining survivors. The exact number of individuals present at the mine during the collapse remains unclear, complicating rescue operations and casualty assessments. Artisanal mining, while prevalent throughout much of Africa, operates largely outside legal frameworks, despite existing regulations that prohibit such activities. High levels of unemployment frequently drive men to work in unregulated mines, seeking to support their families. These informal operations typically lack basic safety measures, contributing to frequent accidents. In CAR alone, at least 40 people have lost their lives in similar mining-related incidents this year.