More than 100 people have died following the collapse of an artisanal gold mine in the village of Zamboye, in western Central African Republic (CAR), triggered by a landslide. The disaster occurred on Tuesday afternoon, and local authorities fear the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.
What Happened?
The mine, located approximately 50 kilometers from the town of Baboua and near the border with Cameroon, caved in when a massive sand avalanche buried a group of miners. Verified footage shows the horrifying moment the ground gave way. The local prosecutor confirmed that many people remain trapped under the rubble, though he did not provide an exact number of casualties. However, Gervais Ganagoroh, a Red Cross volunteer, told the Associated Press that more than 100 bodies had been recovered so far. A senior official from the local mining association corroborated this figure to Reuters.
Cause and Reaction
A second prosecutor in Baboua stated the incident likely resulted from "the collapse of several underground tunnels where miners were working". Cedric Mbango, a miner at the site, described the situation as "catastrophic", adding: "The ground completely caved in and buried people."
Cameroonian authorities have confirmed that at least three of their citizens are among the victims. The governor of Cameroon's eastern region, Grégoire Mvongo, expressed solidarity with CAR authorities and pledged cooperation in dealing with the aftermath.
Rescue Efforts and Concerns
Rescue teams are working around the clock to recover bodies and locate any possible survivors. Bertrand Be Yangué, a member of the Zamboye youth council, said: "Finding them alive would be a miracle." He also warned that the death toll could climb further. Local media reported that heavy machinery is being used in the recovery process, which could inadvertently endanger any survivors still trapped beneath the debris.
Background: Artisanal Mining Risks
Artisanal mines, often operating illegally, are widespread across many African regions. A lack of formal employment pushes many men into working in abandoned mines with very low safety standards, leading to frequent accidents. So far in 2026, at least 40 people have died in mining incidents in CAR alone.
An official investigation has been launched by local authorities. The news was originally reported by The Guardian.