Rescue efforts are underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s South Kivu province after a mine collapse trapped several miners underground.
Local residents are using their bare hands and basic tools to dig out the trapped miners, with six people pulled out alive, one of whom is seriously injured.
The collapse occurred in Lomera, an area that has seen a gold rush since the precious ore was discovered in the hills near the village last year, attracting thousands of artisanal miners.
The area has been under the control of M23 rebels since they captured swathes of DR Congo’s mineral-rich east earlier this year.
The M23 has rejected reports that hundreds of people were trapped underground. The rebel group has since ordered mining activities to stop in parts of the area.
The mine collapse highlights the dangers faced by artisanal miners in the region, where safety standards are often not observed.
The region’s mineral wealth has made it a hub for rebel groups, who often clash with the government over control of the resources.
