Archive · 20 Aug 2026
At Least 100 Killed in Central African Republic Mine Collapse
A gold mine collapsed in the Central African Republic near Cameroon.
Reports said at least 100 people died.
However, officials initially counted 30 bodies and estimated about 40 deaths, so the final number was still uncertain.
Several tunnels may have collapsed and caused a landslide.
Some miners were still buried while rescuers searched for them.
Injured survivors were taken to a hospital in Baboua.
The mine was an informal operation, where workers often do not have proper safety equipment.
Officials promised help, and a judicial inquiry was opened.
At least 100 people were reported killed when an artisanal gold mine collapsed in Zamboye, Central African Republic.
The accident occurred Tuesday, August 18, near the border with Cameroon, with reports placing the site near Baboua and Garoua-Boulai.
Rescuers and residents recovered 30 bodies, while a local official said about 40 people had died and warned that the formal toll was not yet known.
Several underground tunnels reportedly collapsed, triggering a landslide; survivors were taken to hospital and some people remained trapped.
Officials and critics linked the disaster to dangerous, unregulated mining operations that often lack adequate safety measures.
- Who
- Artisanal miners, including at least four Cameroonian victims, were affected; rescuers, officials, and residents responded.
- What
- An artisanal gold mine collapsed, reportedly killing at least 100 people and injuring others.
- When
- The collapse occurred on Tuesday, August 18; rescue operations continued on Wednesday.
- Where
- The Zamboye mining site in western Central African Republic, near Baboua and the Cameroonian town of Garoua-Boulai.
- Why
- The Baboua public prosecutor said several underground tunnels likely collapsed, causing a landslide. Officials and critics also pointed to unsafe, unregulated mining conditions.
Government and Investigative View
Critics’ View
Cause of the collapse
Government and Investigative View
The Baboua public prosecutor said the landslide was believed to have resulted from the collapse of several underground tunnels and opened a judicial inquiry.
Critics’ View
Opposition leaders said the disaster reflected the broader dangers of artisanal mining sites operating without adequate safety measures.
Responsibility for unsafe mining
Government and Investigative View
Officials described rescue and aid efforts and said authorities were working with counterparts across the border to address the aftermath.
Critics’ View
Martin Ziguele said the Central African Republic government bears direct responsibility, while Maurice Kamto criticized those profiting from illegal mineral exploitation and neglecting miners’ conditions.
Death toll
Government and Investigative View
The reports and several local sources put the death toll at at least or around 100 people.
Critics’ View
Local officials cautioned that the formal toll was not established, citing 30 recovered bodies and an estimate of about 40 deaths during the initial response.
- Reported death toll
- At least 100 people were reported dead, although initial counts included 30 bodies recovered and an estimate of about 40 deaths.
- Incident date
- Tuesday, August 18
- Mining site
- Zamboye, in the Central African Republic
- Location descriptions
- Reports placed the site about 50 kilometres from Baboua and a few kilometres from Garoua-Boulai, Cameroon.
- Rescue status
- Search operations continued on Wednesday, with some people reportedly still buried.
- Cause under investigation
- The Baboua public prosecutor said several underground tunnels likely collapsed and announced a judicial inquiry.
- Victims and treatment
- At least four victims were reported to be Cameroonian, and survivors and injured miners were taken for treatment.
