More than 100 individuals have been reported dead after an artisanal gold mine collapsed in the village of Zamboye, located in the western region of the Central African Republic (CAR). The tragic incident, attributed to a landslide, occurred on Tuesday afternoon, approximately 50 kilometers from Baboua and near the Cameroon border.
Eyewitness accounts and social media footage depict a catastrophic scene where an avalanche of sand engulfed a group of miners. Local officials and aid workers confirmed that recovery efforts are ongoing, with many individuals still trapped beneath the debris.
Details of the Incident
A public prosecutor in the area stated that the precise number of fatalities remains uncertain, but Gervais Ganagoroh, a Red Cross volunteer, reported to the Associated Press that over 100 bodies have been recovered. This figure was corroborated by a senior official from a local mining association.
According to a second prosecutor from Baboua, the collapse was likely caused by the failure of several underground tunnels where miners were working. “The ground completely collapsed and buried people,” said Cedric Mbango, a miner who witnessed the event, describing it as “catastrophic.”
Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Investigations
Rescue teams are racing against time to recover the bodies and search for any survivors among the miners, who are believed to be nationals of both CAR and Cameroon. Authorities in Cameroon have confirmed that at least three of their citizens are among the victims.
Grégoire Mvongo, the governor of the Eastern region of Cameroon, stated that he is collaborating closely with Central African officials to manage the aftermath of this disaster. Meanwhile, Bertrand Be Yangué, a member of the Zamboye youth council, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, noting that “finding them alive would be a miracle.”
Context of Artisanal Mining in the Region
The Central African Republic has a history of artisanal mining, which, despite being regulated, continues to thrive due to high unemployment rates. Many individuals are drawn to abandoned or underutilized mines in search of a livelihood, often at the cost of safety. This year alone, at least 40 fatalities have been reported in various mining incidents across CAR.
Local media outlets have reported that an investigation into the collapse is underway, with heavy machinery being deployed for the recovery operation, raising concerns that it may hinder the rescue of any potential survivors still trapped.
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