The Central African Republic is reeling from a devastating gold mine collapse that has claimed the lives of over 100 people. The tragedy occurred in the western part of the country, in the village of Zamboye, in the Nana-Mambere prefecture, near the border with Cameroon.

According to eyewitnesses, the low-tech, artisanal gold mine collapsed on Tuesday morning, trapping several miners and workers under the rubble. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts are ongoing, and several people are still missing.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Local Red Cross volunteers, including Gervais Ganagoroh, are involved in the relief efforts. Ganagoroh reported that several survivors were critically injured, and the situation is dire. ‘Finding them alive would be a miracle,’ Ganagoroh said.

Bertrand Be Yangué, a member of the Zamboye youth council, expressed his sadness and heartbreak over the incident. ‘We are saddened and heartbroken to see young men and women perish after coming to the mines to save their families from despair.’

Investigation Launched

An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the collapse, identify the victims, and establish any potential criminal liability. The prosecutor at the Baboua sub-prefecture court has released a statement regarding the ongoing investigation.

The Central African Republic has a history of artisanal mine collapses, with several thousand people working in small-scale extraction mining. The work is risky due to inadequate protection, often leading to deadly outcomes.

Footage from the scene shows miners, mostly young men and women, covered in mud, pulling out a body from the pit while dozens of other miners and workers were scattered around the expansive site, some shouting for help.

The incident has highlighted the need for better safety measures and regulations in the artisanal mining industry. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and offering support to the affected families and communities.