Kathmandu— At least 30 people were killed when an artisanal gold mine collapsed in western Central African Republic, near the border with Cameroon, on Tuesday, officials confirmed Wednesday. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities attempt to reach those still trapped within the mine. The incident highlights the dangers faced by thousands of unregulated miners operating in the country, where safety standards are often lacking and accidents are frequent. Government officials have expressed sympathy for the victims' families and pledged assistance.

Collapse and Initial Response

The collapse occurred in the village of Zamboye, a few kilometers from Garoua-Boulai in eastern Cameroon, according to Cameroonian media reports. Souleymane Bi, the deputy mayor of Nana-Mambere prefecture in the Central African Republic, stated that rescuers and local residents recovered 30 bodies over several hours on Wednesday. Injured miners are currently receiving medical treatment. Cedric Mbango, a miner at the site, described the scene as “catastrophic,” explaining that the ground gave way and buried multiple people while rescue attempts continue.

Uncertainty Over Final Toll

Establishing an accurate death toll has proven difficult for local authorities. Baboua local official Laurent Ngon Baba told AFP, “At this stage it’s difficult for us to establish a formal toll.” A local civil servant reported to the same agency that approximately 40 people may have died at the site, indicating potential discrepancies in initial reports.

Recurring Danger of Artisanal Mining

Artisanal mine collapses are tragically common in the Central African Republic. Thousands of individuals work in small-scale mining operations outside of government oversight, often lacking adequate safety measures. This lack of regulation and protection contributes to frequent and deadly accidents. Similar incidents occurred earlier this year; a collapse in June killed dozens at the Be-Mbari gold mining site, also near the Cameroon border, while a landslide in March claimed seven lives at a mine in Ngourroum. In February, another 20 miners were killed in Gordi.

Government Response and Plea for Aid

Evariste Ngamana, a government spokesman, conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and assured that authorities are “working hard to provide relief and assistance” to those affected by the disaster. Deputy Mayor Bi issued a plea for help from organizations and individuals, requesting support in assisting with rescue efforts and providing aid.

Rescue operations remain underway as officials continue to assess the full extent of the damage and work to recover any remaining victims.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.