Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Central African Republic Gold Mine Collapse Kills At Least 30
A small gold mine in the Central African Republic collapsed on Tuesday morning.
At least 30 miners died.
Other miners may still be trapped underground.
Residents, rescuers and fellow miners worked to find people in the wreckage.
They recovered 30 bodies and treated injured survivors.
The rescue was difficult because there were no modern machines.
Workers had to use simple tools and their hands to move mud and earth.
Officials asked organizations and other people to help, and the accident drew attention to repeated dangers at small mines.
At least 30 miners died after an artisanal gold mine collapsed Tuesday morning in western Central African Republic.
The collapse occurred in the Abba region of Nana-Mambéré prefecture, with additional miners believed trapped or missing.
Residents, rescuers and fellow miners recovered 30 bodies and treated injured survivors.
Rescue workers used rudimentary tools and their bare hands because modern machinery was unavailable.
Officials appealed for assistance, while reports linked the disaster to recurring safety risks at artisanal mines; the specific cause was not confirmed.
- Who
- At least 30 miners were killed, while other miners were missing or believed trapped. Residents, rescuers, fellow miners and officials participated in the response.
- What
- An artisanal gold mining site collapsed, killing miners and trapping others.
- When
- Tuesday morning; one report identifies the date as August 18.
- Where
- The Abba region of Nana-Mambéré prefecture in western Central African Republic.
- Why
- The specific cause was not confirmed. The reports said artisanal mines often lack safety measures, protective equipment and strong construction, making collapses dangerous.
- Deaths
- At least 30 miners
- Mine type
- Artisanal gold mine
- Location
- Abba region, Nana-Mambéré prefecture, western Central African Republic
- Timing
- Tuesday morning; one report says August 18
- Rescue status
- Thirty bodies were recovered; additional miners were missing or believed trapped
- Rescue conditions
- Workers used rudimentary tools and bare hands because modern machinery was unavailable
- Appeal for help
- Deputy Mayor Souleymane Bi called for assistance from organizations and people willing to help
Sources
At Least 30 Dead After Artisanal Gold Mine Collapses in Central African Republic
At least 30 miners killed, others trapped after gold mine collapses in Central African Republic
Gold Mine Collapses in Central African Republic, Killing At Least 30 Miners
