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Central African Republic artisanal gold mine collapses, killing more than 100

A prosecutor confirmed there had been a mine collapse in the village of Zamboye near the border with Cameroon but said the number of deaths and other details were still being established.

An artisanal gold mine in the Central African Republic near the border with Cameroon has collapsed, resulting in a devastating loss of life. Authorities have ordered the mine's closure following the revelation that 49 people had perished in the tragedy. However, a senior mining association official has claimed the death toll is significantly higher, with over 100 individuals losing their lives in the accident.

A prosecutor confirmed the occurrence of the mine collapse in the village of Zamboye, situated close to the Cameroonian border. The official statement indicated that rescue efforts are ongoing, and an investigation into the cause of the disaster and the ownership of the site will commence. Simultaneously, Cameroonian authorities have pledged their readiness to provide medical assistance to any injured individuals who may cross the border.

Artisanal mining plays a crucial role in supporting livelihoods across Africa. However, weak regulation and subpar safety standards frequently result in catastrophic accidents, highlighting the urgent need for improved oversight and enforcement of safety protocols within the industry.

Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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