By: Nana Karikari
At least 30 miners died and an unspecified number sustained injuries after a catastrophic gold mine collapse on Tuesday in the western region of the Central African Republic. The incident took place in the Abba area of the Nana-Mambere prefecture, leaving others trapped beneath the debris.
Survivors describe a desperate rescue operation
The tragedy unfolded Tuesday morning at a low-tech, artisanal mining site. Florian Gaguende, a miner who survived the collapse, witnessed the chaos firsthand. Local rescuers are currently searching for individuals still buried underground. Gaguende noted that the chance of finding them alive “is getting slimmer.”
Local authorities appeal for urgent assistance
Emergency crews and nearby residents worked for hours to stabilize the site and recover the deceased. Souleymane Bi, the deputy mayor of the sub-prefecture, confirmed that 30 bodies have been recovered. Injured survivors are now receiving medical attention.
Bi issued an emotional plea for outside support as the situation remains dire. “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,” he said.
Scenes of chaos caught on camera
Video footage from the site shows a desperate rescue environment. The images depict young men and women caked in mud. They can be seen removing a victim from the pit while large crowds of workers gather nearby. Some individuals are heard shouting for assistance amid the widespread disorder.
Government spokesman Evariste Ngamana expressed sympathy for the bereaved families. He confirmed that officials are “working hard to provide relief and assistance” to everyone affected by the tragedy.
Recurring dangers in the mining sector
Artisanal mining serves as a primary source of income for thousands of people across the Central African Republic. However, these small-scale extraction sites often lack adequate safety measures. Accidents are frequent, and the nature of the work remains inherently hazardous. The lack of infrastructure and equipment often turns these routine operations into deadly events.
Systemic risks and future oversight
Balancing economic survival with rigorous oversight remains an ongoing policy challenge for local administrations and international observers alike as communities grapple with systemic vulnerabilities.
