More than 100 people have died after an artisanal goldmine collapsed due to a landslide in the village of Zamboye in western Central African Republic, local officials and aid workers said.
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Key facts
- More than 100 people died after an artisanal goldmine caved in, according to local officials and aid workers.
- The landslide struck on Tuesday afternoon in the village of Zamboye.
- Zamboye is about 50km (31 miles) from the town of Baboua, near the border with Cameroon.
- Officials say the death toll is likely to rise as recovery efforts continue.
- Social media footage appeared to show an avalanche of sand descending on a group of people.
More than 100 people have died after an artisanal goldmine at a small village in western Central African Republic (CAR) caved in due to a landslide, local officials and aid workers said on Wednesday, according to the Guardian.
The landslide happened on Tuesday afternoon in the village of Zamboye, which lies about 50km (31 miles) from the town of Baboua and close to the border with Cameroon.
Footage circulating on social media appeared to show an avalanche of sand descending on a group of people, likely the miners, and covering them, the Guardian reported.
Local officials said the death toll is likely to rise as recovery efforts continue at the site of the collapse.
Why it matters
A disaster of this scale, with more than 100 reported dead, marks a significant loss of life in a remote part of Central Africa where emergency response is difficult and the full toll is not yet known.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the goldmine collapse happen?
The collapse occurred in the village of Zamboye in western Central African Republic, about 50km (31 miles) from the town of Baboua and close to the border with Cameroon.
How many people died?
More than 100 people have died, according to local officials and aid workers, and the death toll is likely to rise as recovery efforts continue.
What caused the collapse?
The collapse was caused by a landslide, which struck the artisanal goldmine on Tuesday afternoon.
Timeline
- More than 100 dead after goldmine collapses in Central African Republic
The Guardian World: The collapse was caused by a landslide, while local officials say the death toll is likely to rise as recovery efforts continue More than 100 people have died after an artisanal goldmine at a small village in western Central African Republic (CAR) caved in due to a landslide, loc