28 killed in Angola mine collapse

Moscow (ANTARA) - Twenty-eight people, including 13 from one family, have died and two others remain missing after an illegal gold mine in north-west Angola collapsed, local police said on Saturday (23 May).

“Twenty-eight people died, including 13 from one family, and two others are missing after an illegal mine producing strategic minerals such as gold collapsed,” said police spokesperson Gaspar Luis Inacio to RNA radio station.

He added that search and rescue operations at the site are ongoing.

Three injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at Bengo Central Hospital and are in stable condition, said health supervisor Francisco Rodrigues to RNA.

Survivors reported that over 70 miners were present at the site during the collapse.

Angola is a resource-rich nation on Africa’s south-west coast, with abundant oil and diamond reserves.

Angola was colonised by Portugal for 400 years, beginning with the establishment of a colony in 1575 when explorer Paulo Dias de Novais founded a settlement in Luanda, the current capital. After gaining independence on 11 November 1975, the country was embroiled in a brutal civil war lasting over two decades until full peace was achieved in 2002.

Having recovered from the long civil war, Angola has transformed into one of Africa’s largest economies. The country is aggressively building infrastructure and forging strong global economic partnerships.