30 killed in Central African Republic mine collapse as region reels from recurring mining disasters
In Central African Republic, a gold mine collapse killed at least 30 miners, with search operations ongoing. Rescuers face diminishing hopes of finding survivors. The region struggles with frequent mining accidents due to unregulated and unsafe practices in artisanal mines.
On Tuesday local time, at least 30 miners perished in a gold mine collapse in the western region of the Central African Republic. The incident took place in the Abba region of the Nana-Mambere prefecture, according to the Associated Press. A surviving miner reported that rescue efforts were ongoing, but rescue officials stated that the chances of saving the trapped miners "is getting slimmer."
Deputy Mayor Souleymane Bi of the sub-prefecture reported that 30 bodies were recovered from the site, while the injured are receiving medical attention. Bi called for assistance from organizations and individuals willing to help. Rescue operations were chaotic, with miners seen removing a body from the pit while others were scattered around the site, calling out for help.
Government representative Evariste Ngamana stated that authorities are "working hard to provide relief and assistance" to the victims. Artisanal mines in this region are notorious for collapses due to lack of protective measures. In June, eight miners died in a similar incident near the Cameroon border, and in May, several dozen miners were killed at the Be-Mbari mining site.
A collapse in mid-March claimed seven lives in the village of Ngourroum. Civil society spokespersons and former miners have warned of the dangers of these unregulated, poorly constructed mines, where hundreds of workers often operate without safety measures.
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