August 20, 2026

Central Times

Most Trusted News on the go

100

Central African Republic Gold Mine Collapse Kills 100; Rescuers Say Survival Would Be a Miracle

More than 100 people have reportedly died after a gold mine collapsed in Zamboye village in the Central African Republic. The incident took place on Tuesday morning at a low-tech artisanal mining site. Several miners were injured in the collapse, while many others remain trapped beneath the debris. Rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate those still missing. However, officials and volunteers fear that the death toll could increase.

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Death Toll Expected To Rise As Rescue Operation Continues

Florian Gaguende, a miner who survived the incident, said rescue workers were searching for people believed to be trapped underground. However, he said hopes of finding survivors were fading with every passing hour. Local Red Cross volunteer Gervais Ganagoroh said several injured miners were in critical condition. Meanwhile, Zamboye youth council member Bertrand Be Yangue said several people were still missing. He described the situation as deeply painful for the local community.

Rescue workers faced a difficult task as they searched through the collapsed mine for survivors. Videos from the site showed miners covered in mud helping recover a body from the pit. Dozens of workers could also be seen gathered around the large mining area. Some miners were reportedly calling for help as rescue efforts continued. Local representatives said finding more people alive would now be nothing short of a miracle.

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Investigation Underway Into Fatal Mine Collapse

Authorities have launched an investigation into the deadly accident. The probe will examine what caused the mine to collapse and determine who was responsible for operating the site. Officials will also work to identify the victims and assess whether any criminal liability is involved. The prosecutor at the Baboua sub-prefecture court confirmed the investigation in an official statement. Further details are expected as authorities continue their inquiry.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers faced by workers in the Central African Republic’s artisanal mining sector. Thousands of people depend on small-scale mining activities for their livelihoods across the country. However, these sites often operate with limited safety equipment and basic infrastructure. As a result, mine collapses frequently cause serious injuries and deaths. The latest incident has renewed concerns over safety standards at such mining locations.

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