Last updated:
25 minutes ago
The footage captures the moment the ground suddenly gives way at the Zamboye artisanal gold mine, engulfing people gathered nearby. Freddy Metchoubatchou was on site when the landslide struck on 18 August and filmed the collapse from close range. The mine is in Nana-Mambéré prefecture, about 50 kilometres from Baboua near the Cameroonian border. Prosecutors in Baboua said several underground tunnels may have collapsed, causing the disaster.
Rescue workers were still searching for victims on 21 August, but the number of people underground at the time remains unknown. Recovery efforts have been hampered by limited equipment and expertise.
Local officials, Red Cross volunteers and mining representatives initially reported more than 100 deaths. The Mines Ministry later gave a provisional official toll of 49, including 34 Central African nationals, 13 Cameroonians and two Chadians. Seven injured people were taken to hospital in Baboua.
