More than 100 dead after goldmine collapses in Central African Republic

More than 100 people have died following the collapse of an artisanal goldmine in the village of Zamboye, located in the western Central African Republic (CAR). The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon and was attributed to a landslide, which local officials and aid workers reported. The village is situated approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the town of Baboua and near the border with Cameroon. Eyewitness footage on social media depicted a significant avalanche of sand descending upon a group of miners, leading to the tragic event. Local officials, including a representative from a local mining association, confirmed that the death toll is expected to rise as recovery efforts are ongoing. A member of the local youth council also indicated that more individuals may be discovered under the rubble as search operations continue. The Baboua public prosecutor stated that the collapse was likely caused by the failure of several underground tunnels where miners were working. The mine is described as a low-tech, artisanal operation, which is common in the region. Florian Gaguende, a surviving miner, provided information about the collapse, highlighting the dangers associated with such mining practices. The incident underscores the risks faced by miners in artisanal operations, particularly in areas where safety regulations may be minimal or non-existent.