More than 100 people have died after an artisanal gold mine collapsed in western Central African Republic near the border with Cameroon.
The collapse happened on Tuesday in Zamboye, a village roughly 50km from Baboua and only a few kilometres from the Cameroonian town of Garoua-Boulai.
A Red Cross volunteer involved in rescue efforts said more than 100 bodies had already been recovered. Local mining officials and other sources confirmed a similar death toll, while authorities warned that the number could rise as several people remain missing or trapped beneath the debris.
Officials believe several underground tunnels collapsed while miners were working inside. A judicial investigation has been opened to determine the circumstances surrounding the disaster.
Rescue operations are continuing, although local officials said hopes of finding survivors are fading. One miner at the scene described the collapse as catastrophic, saying the ground suddenly gave way and buried workers underground.
Authorities in both Central African Republic and neighboring Cameroon said they are coordinating relief efforts and assistance for affected families.
Artisanal mining accidents are relatively common in CAR, where thousands of people work in small-scale mines that often operate with limited safety equipment and oversight. Several other deadly mining collapses have already been reported in the country this year.