world 19 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Over 100 Feared Dead in Central African Republic Gold Mine Collapse
A catastrophic collapse at an artisanal gold mine in the Central African Republic has resulted in the deaths of over 100 people. The incident occurred in the village of Zamboye, trapping miners beneath the rubble. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/central-african-republic-artisanal-gold-mine-collapses-killing-more-than-100-5564384
Tragedy has struck the Central African Republic with a devastating mine collapse that has claimed the lives of more than 100 artisanal miners. The incident took place in the village of Zamboye, a region known for its gold extraction activities.
Local authorities confirmed the grim reality of the situation, with a prosecutor stating that the scale of the disaster is still being fully assessed. Rescue efforts are underway, but hopes of finding survivors are fading as the hours pass.
The collapse is believed to have occurred at a depth of approximately 15 meters (50 feet), trapping the miners who were working underground at the time. Eyewitness accounts describe a sudden and violent cave-in, leaving little chance for those trapped to escape.
Artisanal mining, while a crucial source of income for many in the region, often operates with inadequate safety measures, making such accidents a recurring concern. The lack of proper equipment and oversight contributes to the inherent dangers faced by these miners.
This incident highlights the perilous conditions faced by many in the Central African Republic’s informal mining sector and the urgent need for improved safety regulations and enforcement to prevent future calamities.