Central African Republic Gold Mine Disaster Kills Over 100 Artisanal Workers

A tragic incident in the western Central African Republic (CAR) has resulted in the deaths of over 100 individuals following the collapse of an artisanal gold mine. The site is located close to the Cameroonian border.

The devastating cave-in took place on Tuesday, August 18, within the village of Zamboye. This location is approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Baboua, a Central African town, and just a few kilometres from Garoua-Boulai in eastern Cameroon. Footage circulating online depicts miners frantically fleeing for safety as the ground gave way, tragically burying several people.

On Wednesday, August 19, Gervais Ganagoroh, a Red Cross volunteer participating in the rescue operation, informed the Associated Press news agency that search teams had retrieved over 100 bodies from the debris. Furthermore, a high-ranking representative from a local mining association confirmed to Reuters that the disaster had claimed upwards of 100 lives. This figure was corroborated by other local sources speaking to AFP.

Bertrand Be Yangue, a city official, indicated that the death toll is anticipated to increase as numerous individuals remain unaccounted for or are believed to be trapped under the collapsed earth. Yangue expressed profound sorrow, stating, “Finding them alive would be a miracle.” He added, “We are saddened and heartbroken to see young men and women perish after coming to the mines to save their families from despair.”

Souleymane Bi, who serves as the deputy mayor of Nana-Mambere prefecture in the Central African Republic, described the situation as “horrible.” He issued a plea for assistance, saying, “And we are calling for help from organisations and all people of goodwill to help.”

In a public statement, the Baboua public prosecutor's office suggested that the landslide was likely triggered by “the collapse of several underground tunnels in which miners were operating.” The statement also confirmed the initiation of a judicial inquiry into the incident. Earlier on Wednesday, Laurent Ngon Baba, a local official in Baboua, admitted to AFP, “At this stage, it’s difficult for us to establish a formal toll.”

Cedric Mbango, who works as a miner at the location, characterized the event as “catastrophic.” He elaborated to AFP, saying, “The ground completely collapsed and buried people. As I speak to you, other people are still buried. Rescue attempts are under way.”

Gregoire Mvongo, the governor for Cameroon's eastern region, announced on CRTV public radio that authorities were “working in close collaboration with our Central African colleagues to deal with the aftermath of this tragedy.”