Azerbaijan expresses condolences to Central African Republic over deadly mine accident

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry has expressed condolences to the Central African Republic (CAR) following a deadly accident at a gold mine.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of deadly gold mine accident in the Central African Republic, which claimed many lives and caused injuries,” the ministry said in a statement on X.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and government of the Central African Republic,” it added.

The ministry also wished those injured a swift and full recovery, expressing hope that everyone affected by the accident would be brought to safety as quickly as possible.

At least 30 miners were killed when an artisanal gold mine collapsed in western Central African Republic, while rescuers continued searching for miners feared trapped underground.

The mine collapsed on August 18 in the Abba region of Nana-Mambere prefecture. Rescuers and residents recovered 30 bodies and evacuated injured miners for treatment, while authorities warned that the chances of finding survivors were diminishing.

Government spokesman Evariste Ngamana expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said authorities were working to provide assistance.

Artisanal mining is widespread in the Central African Republic, but poor safety measures make mine collapses a frequent and often deadly occurrence.

By Aghakazim Guliyev