More Than 100 Killed in Central African Republic Gold Mine Collapse

BANGUI — More than 100 people have been killed after an artisanal gold mine collapsed in western Central African Republic near the border with Cameroon, according to officials and relief workers.

The disaster struck on Tuesday at the Zamboye mining site in Nana-Mambéré prefecture, near the town of Baboua. Several people were injured, while others remained missing or trapped as rescue teams continued searching through the debris.

Rescue Operations Continue

Local Red Cross volunteers and residents joined efforts to recover victims and search for survivors. Officials warned that the death toll could rise because some miners were still unaccounted for.

The remote location and conditions at the mining site have complicated rescue work, while critically injured survivors have required medical attention.

Landslide and Tunnel Collapse Under Investigation

Reports indicate that a landslide caused part of the mining site to give way. Authorities have opened an investigation into the disaster, including the circumstances surrounding the collapse and safety conditions at the site.

The Zamboye site is an artisanal mining operation, where extraction is carried out using relatively basic methods. Such mines can expose workers to serious risks when tunnels, pits and surrounding ground become unstable.

Artisanal Mining Accidents Remain a Serious Risk

The Central African Republic is rich in mineral resources, including gold and diamonds, but many people work in small-scale and informal mining operations where safety protections can be limited.

Fatal mining accidents have occurred repeatedly in the country. The latest tragedy has again drawn attention to the risks faced by miners working in poorly regulated or unsafe conditions.

Victims Include Miners From the Border Region

The mine is located close to the Cameroon border, and reports indicate that people from communities on both sides of the frontier work in the area. Authorities and relief teams are continuing efforts to identify victims and account for those still missing.

Key Details

•    More than 100 people have been reported killed.
•    The collapse occurred at the Zamboye artisanal gold-mining site in western Central African Republic.
•    The site is in Nana-Mambéré prefecture near the Cameroon border and the town of Baboua.
•    Several people were injured and others remained missing or trapped.
•    Rescue and recovery operations were continuing after the disaster.
•    Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the collapse.

Sources
•    Qatar News Agency (QNA), August 19, 2026.
•    Associated Press, August 19, 2026.
•    Reuters, August 19, 2026.
Editorial note: Casualty figures remained subject to change as rescue and recovery operations continued. This rewritten version reflects information available at the time of publication.