Dozens killed in gold mine collapse in Central African Republic

At least 30 people have been killed after a gold mine collapsed in Nana-Mambéré prefecture in the west of the Central African Republic (CAR), The Associated Press reports.

According to the agency, rescuers and local residents managed to recover 30 bodies from the rubble within several hours. People are believed to remain trapped in the mine, although their number is unknown.

The cause of the collapse has not been reported, and rescue operations are continuing.

The incident occurred not far from the border with Cameroon. Cameroun24 reported that the collapse occurred at the Zamboua gold mine, located directly on the border between the two countries. According to local residents, the death toll stands at 100.

The outlet reported that rescuers are working in difficult conditions. The rubble is being cleared by hand amid concerns that the use of heavy machinery could cause the collapse of mine tunnels that remain intact.