Central African Republic: over 100 dead in the collapse of a gold mine in Zamboye

The toll remains provisional, with several people still reported missing or buried. Seriously injured survivors have also been taken care of, according to local officials and Red Cross volunteers quoted by the Associated Press.

Search operations are lacking specialized equipment and trained personnel to respond to a collapse of this magnitude. Residents and workers from the site are helping with rescue efforts alongside the local Red Cross.

The prosecutor’s office of the Baboua sub-prefecture has opened an investigation to determine the cause of the accident, identify the victims and those responsible for the operation, and then establish any potential criminal liabilities.

Underground tunnels have collapsed

According to the jurisdiction of Baboua, several underground tunnels where miners were working have collapsed, causing a landslide. The site is located about 50 kilometers from Baboua, in an area of gold extraction that is difficult to access.

Artisanal gold mining employs several thousand people in the Central African Republic. Workers often use rudimentary tools in poorly supported wells and tunnels, with little protective equipment.

Cameroonian authorities have indicated that they are ready to receive and treat any injured individuals crossing the border. Zamboye is near Garoua-Boulaï, in eastern Cameroon.

The local Red Cross continued its search efforts on Thursday morning, reporting the discovery of new bodies, but was not yet able to establish the final number of people buried.