Bangui, Central African Republic – A gold mining site in the Abba region of the Nana‑Mambere prefecture collapsed on Tuesday morning, killing at least 30 miners and leaving additional workers trapped, officials and local residents reported.
Florian Gaguende, one of the surviving miners, described the collapse as a sudden failure of the shallow, low‑tech shaft. He said rescuers have been searching for more miners who may still be underground, but the likelihood of finding survivors is diminishing.
Souleymane Bi, deputy mayor of the sub‑prefecture, confirmed that rescuers and community members worked for several hours to recover 30 bodies from the collapsed pit. Injured miners are receiving medical treatment, though details on their conditions were not released.
“It is horrible and we are calling for help from organizations and all people of good will to help pull from the hole those who are unable to do so,” Bi said, urging humanitarian assistance for the families of the victims.
Rescue efforts and community response
Footage from the scene shows a chaotic rescue operation. Miners, many covered in mud, can be seen pulling bodies from the pit while others shout for help. Local residents have gathered to assist, bringing supplies and offering support to the grieving families.
Evariste Ngamana, a government spokesperson, expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and said authorities are working hard to provide relief and assistance to those affected.
Broader context of artisanal mining
Artisanal mining is a common livelihood in the Central African Republic, employing several thousand people in small‑scale extraction. The work is inherently risky because miners often lack proper safety equipment and regulatory oversight, leading to frequent accidents that can be deadly.
Authorities have noted that such collapses are not uncommon, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and support for miners who rely on this informal sector for income.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by communities that depend on artisanal mining and the urgent need for better protection and assistance for those working in these hazardous conditions.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
