The Central African Republic Gold Mine Collapse in Zamboye killed more than 100 people after underground tunnels reportedly gave way. Rescue teams continued searching for survivors.A major Central African Republic Gold Mine Collapse killed more than 100 people at an illegal artisanal gold mine in Zamboye village, Nana-Mambere prefecture, near the Cameroon border. The gold mine accident occurred on August 18, 2026, about 50 kilometres from Baboua, after underground mining tunnels reportedly collapsed.Local officials said the death toll could rise because several miners remained missing or trapped under the rubble. Search and rescue operations continued on August 19, while injured survivors were taken to a hospital in Baboua.What Happened in the Gold Mine Collapse?The gold mine collapse in Central African Republic happened at a large open-pit artisanal mining site where hundreds of people were reportedly working. Witnesses said the ground suddenly gave way, sending soil and debris into the mining area and burying workers."The Baboua public prosecutor said the landslide was believed to have resulted from the collapse of several underground tunnels where miners were working. Authorities have opened an investigation to establish the exact cause, identify victims and determine whether anyone should face criminal responsibility.:Related Instagram Post : Central African Republic Gold MineHow Many People Were Killed?The Central African Republic mine disaster has killed more than 100 people, although authorities have warned that a final figure has not yet been confirmed. On August 19, local official Laurent Ngon Baba said it was still difficult to establish a formal death toll.Local Red Cross volunteer Gervais Ganagoroh said several survivors suffered critical injuries. Bertrand Be Yangué, a member of the Zamboye youth council, said several people were still missing and trapped beneath the collapsed ground.At least four victims were reported to be Cameroonian, according to the Cameroon Tribune. Cameroon authorities said they were prepared to receive and treat injured people who crossed the border.What Did Officials Say About the Disaster?Authorities described the incident as a major tragedy and continued rescue operations despite difficult conditions. Local officials said the possibility of finding trapped miners alive was becoming increasingly low as search efforts continued.Cameroonian regional governor Gregoire Mvongo said authorities were working closely with their Central African counterparts to manage the aftermath. The Baboua prosecutor has also launched a formal investigation into the gold mine accident.Why Are Mine Collapses Common in the Central African Republic?The disaster has again highlighted safety problems in the country's informal mining sector. Thousands of people work in small-scale artisanal mines, many operating outside effective government supervision.Safety equipment is often limited, while unregulated tunnels and unsafe mining practices increase the risk of landslides and collapses. Officials and researchers have previously warned that poverty and weak enforcement continue to push workers into dangerous mining sites."The Zamboye collapse follows several other deadly incidents in the country. A separate mine collapse in June reportedly killed dozens of people, while landslides in March and February also caused multiple deaths.;The latest rescue operations in Central African Republic remain focused on locating missing miners and recovering bodies. Authorities are expected to release further information as the investigation and recovery work continue.
