• Coltan mine collapse kills over 200 in eastern Congo
• Critical injuries among survivors amid heavy rainfall

Local sources reported that more than 200 people were killed in the collapse of a coltan mine in the Rubaya area, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The mine is located about 60 kilometers northwest of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and collapsed on Wednesday. The exact number of victims remains unconfirmed.

A local authorities spokesperson said: “More than 200 people lost their lives in this collapse, including miners, children, and women. Some were rescued at the last moment and suffered serious injuries,” noting that around 20 injured individuals are receiving treatment at health facilities.

He added: “We are in the rainy season, and the ground is fragile. The earth gave way while the victims were inside the pit.”

Meanwhile, an adviser to the provincial governor stated that the death toll exceeded 200, requesting anonymity because he was not authorized to make statements to the media.