New Delhi,August 20, 2026 : More than 100 people have died after an artisanal goldminecollapsed in the village of Zamboye in the western Central African Republic(CAR), near the border with Cameroon. The landslide occurred on Tuesdayafternoon, burying miners and trapping several others underground. Localofficials, aid workers and mining representatives said more than 100 bodies hadbeen recovered, although the death toll is expected to rise as rescueoperations continue.

Thecollapse is believed to have been caused by the failure of several undergroundtunnels where miners were working. Rescuers are using heavy machinery torecover bodies and search for survivors. At least three Cameroonian nationalshave been identified among the victims.

Artisanalmining is widespread in CAR because unemployment and poverty force many peopleto seek livelihoods in informal mines. Poor safety standards and weakregulation frequently result in accidents. The latest tragedy highlights thedangers faced by miners working in unsafe conditions.