At least 100 dead after gold mine collapses in Central African Republic

A massive gold mine collapse in the Central African Republic has claimed more than 100 lives, with scores of others still trapped beneath the rubble. The disaster struck the village of Zamboye in the Nana-Mambere prefecture, leaving rescuers scrambling to save those still breathing.

Initial reports indicate that the low-tech, artisanal mine gave way earlier this week, causing a wall of dirt to rush down the rocky terrain towards a group of people below. Hundreds of witnesses gathered near the mine prior to the incident, only to scatter as the collapse unfolded.

Bertrand Be Yangué, a youth council member in Zamboye, expressed the collective grief, stating that survivors remain missing and others are trapped under the debris. He described the situation as a tragic miracle, as the prospect of finding more alive is exceedingly slim.

An investigation has commenced, led by the prosecutor at the Baboua sub-prefecture court, to ascertain the cause of the collapse and identify any potential criminal liability. The inquiry aims to shed light on the events leading up to the tragedy and determine responsibility for operating the site.

Footage captured the harrowing moment when the mine gave way, with hundreds of people fleeing as the earth unleashed its fury. Miners, primarily young men and women, frantically tried to rescue survivors from the pit while others gathered around the site, some desperately shouting for assistance.