Additional Coverage:
Tragic Mine Collapse in Central African Republic Claims Dozens of Lives
BANGUI, Central African Republic – A devastating collapse at an artisanal gold mine in the western region of the Central African Republic has resulted in the deaths of at least 30 miners, with others still trapped underground, local officials and survivors report.
The incident occurred Tuesday morning at a low-tech mining site in the Abba area of Nana-Mambere prefecture. Survivor Florian Gaguende described ongoing rescue efforts, though he expressed concern that the chances of finding additional miners alive are diminishing.
Deputy Mayor Souleymane Bi of the sub-prefecture confirmed that rescuers and community members worked for hours to recover 30 bodies from the collapsed site. Injured miners have been receiving medical attention.
“This is a horrific tragedy. We urgently call on organizations and people of goodwill to assist in the rescue operations,” Bi stated.
Video footage from the scene revealed intense rescue activity, with young miners covered in mud pulling victims from the pit while others called out for help across the expansive mining area.
Government spokesperson Evariste Ngamana extended condolences to the families of the deceased and affirmed that authorities are mobilizing resources to support those affected by the disaster.
Artisanal mining is a widespread but perilous livelihood in the Central African Republic, involving thousands of workers using rudimentary methods that leave them vulnerable to frequent and often fatal accidents. This latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures in the sector.