30 people die in gold mine collapse in northern Afghanistan, officials say
At least 30 people have lost their lives when a mine where they were digging for gold collapsed in Afghanistan’s northern province of Badakhshan, officials say.
“Poor villagers during winters try to compensate their earnings by pursuing illegal mining. They dig tunnels to enter the mines,” said Nek Mohammad Nazari, a spokesman for the provincial governor, on Sunday, adding that the tunnel caved in about 11 a.m. local time and killed the illegal miners.
He said at least 15 other minors had been injured in the incident, and nearly all of them are in critical condition.
Meanwhile, Sanaullah Rohani, a provincial police spokesman, said that the deadly accident, which occurred in heavy snowfall in Kohistan district, had been caused by a landslide.
Rohani further said that a total of about 50 illegal miners were inside the mine when it collapsed, adding that two rescue teams had been dispatched to the area to help and treat the wounded.
Neither of the officials provided further details regarding the number of possible workers trapped in the mine.
Landslides frequently occur in Afghanistan’s northern mountainous regions.
Last year, Kabul inked two contracts for the exploration of copper and gold deposits in northern provinces, a move aimed at preventing illegal mining and shifting away from the country’s dependence on foreign help by tapping its natural resources.
Russia decides 'at highest level' to remove Taliban from list of terrorists
Dozen killed in Daesh attack on Hazaras welcoming Karbala pilgrims
UN warns Daesh Afghanistan branch growing in strength
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
VIDEO | Nurses protest against Israeli genocide at UN HQ
VIDEO | France-Israel football row
VIDEO | Archbishop of Canterbury quits over handling of abuse by pedo volunteer John Smyth
Hezbollah hits Tel Aviv with ballistic missiles; debuts tactical rocket in anti-Israeli struggle
VIDEO | Iraqi resistance fighters strike ‘vital targets’ across occupied territories
VIDEO | Hezbollah leader to fighters: You are the pride shaking foundations of Zionism
Iran not worried that Trump may toughen oil sanctions: Minister
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
