More Than 100 Killed in Gold Mine Collapse in Central African Republic

Aadyasha News Digital Desk  August 20, 2026: More than 100 people have been killed after an artisanal gold mine collapsed in the village of Zamboye in the western Central African Republic, near the border with Cameroon. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to recover bodies and search for possible survivors.

The disaster occurred on Tuesday after a landslide caused several underground sections of the low-tech mining site to collapse. Local Red Cross volunteers and officials said more than 100 bodies had been recovered, while several people were critically injured and others were feared trapped beneath the rubble.

Rescue operations have been hampered by a lack of equipment and technical expertise. Workers at the site said bodies were still being discovered, raising fears that the death toll could increase further.

Some of the victims are believed to be from neighbouring Cameroon. Cameroonian authorities have reportedly offered medical assistance to injured miners who may cross the border for treatment.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse and the operation of the mining site. The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers associated with unregulated artisanal mining, where workers often operate without adequate safety measures or structural support.

Officials and rescue workers expressed concern that the final death toll could be significantly higher as recovery operations continue.