BANGUI, Central African Republic — August 19, 2026
At least 30 miners have been killed after an artisanal gold mine collapsed in western Central African Republic, with rescue teams continuing efforts to locate people believed to be trapped underground.
The collapse occurred on Tuesday, August 18, in the Abba region of Nana-Mambéré prefecture. The mine was described as a low-tech artisanal operation, where miners worked under hazardous conditions with limited safety equipment and protections.
Survivors, local residents and rescuers reportedly spent several hours attempting to recover victims from the collapsed, mud-filled site. At least 30 bodies had been brought out, while injured miners were taken for treatment.
A survivor said rescuers were still searching for additional miners believed to be trapped underground, although hopes of finding them alive were becoming increasingly slim.
Local officials have appealed for additional assistance as rescue efforts continue. Government spokesman Evariste Ngamana expressed condolences to the families of those who died and said authorities were working to provide relief and assistance to those affected.
The disaster has once again highlighted the dangers facing thousands of people involved in artisanal mining across the Central African Republic. Such operations often rely on basic equipment and can lack adequate structural support, protective gear and formal safety procedures, increasing the risk of deadly accidents.
Meanwhile, reports from the wider border area with Cameroon have suggested a potentially higher death toll, but those figures have not yet been independently confirmed. The confirmed toll reported by the Associated Press remains at at least 30 deaths, with rescue operations ongoing.
Families and communities now await further information as emergency workers continue their search for those still missing.
This is a developing story and the death toll may rise as rescue and recovery operations continue.
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