AFP quoted local sources as saying that the incident occurred on the afternoon of August 18 (local time) at the Zamboye gold mining area, about 50km from Baboua town. This is the latest accident in a series of similar incidents in this mineral-rich country.
According to local officials, at least 100 people have died and many others have been injured. Survivors were taken to hospitals in Baboua, while search efforts continued on August 19.
A prosecutor in Baboua informed that the initial cause is believed to be due to the collapse of several underground tunnels where miners are working.
Regional governor of eastern Cameroon Gregoire Mvongo said that Cameroon is closely coordinating with the Central African Republic to overcome the consequences of the mine collapse.
Landslides frequently occur at illegal mining sites, outside the control of the authorities of the Central African Republic.
Previously in June, a similar mine collapse claimed the lives of dozens of people at the Be-Mbari gold mine, located in the border area of Cameroon.
In mid-March, landslides killed 7 people at a mine in Ngourroum village, western Central African Republic. In February, at least 20 people were killed in the Gordi area, northeast of the country.
