Luanda: At least 28 people were killed after an illegally operated gold mine collapsed in Angola. Angolan police said in a statement that the victims, aged between 18 and 40, were buried under rubble following a landslide in Bengo Province.

According to Qatar News Agency, the accident occurred in the village of Canacassala, about 60 kilometers from Luanda, while the victims were illegally mining for gold. Thirteen members of the same family were among the dead. Rescue teams continue to search the site for other victims or survivors.

The regional government stated that this is the first known fatal accident linked to illegal gold mining in the area. Efforts are underway to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future, with authorities considering stricter regulations and enforcement on illegal mining activities.