Monday, November 17, 2025 - An estimated number of about 70 people were killed when an overcrowded bridge at a copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo collapsed, a regional government official said Sunday, November 16.
Speaking to reporters, Provincial Interior Minister Roy
Kaumba Mayonde attributed Saturday's accident to the "hasty crossing of
the diggers," which he said caused the makeshift bridge to collapse into a
flooded ditch.
Mayonde said an investigation has been launched to determine
those responsible for the tragedy.
"Despite a strict ban on entering the site due to heavy
rains and the risk of landslides, illegal diggers forcibly entered the
mine," he said.
Local media reports earlier said that as many as 70 people
died in the incident at the Kalando mine in Mulondo in Lualaba province.
The video circulating on X shot from afar showed a large
part of the mine collapsing, with those present at the site escaping the danger
in panic. Many workers are also said to be trapped under the rubble as search
and rescue operations continue.
Mining accidents are common in the Democratic Republic of
Congo due to unregulated mines, safety deficiencies and inadequate
infrastructure.
🚨🇨🇩 BREAKING: 32+ DEAD AFTER MINE BRIDGE COLLAPSES IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 17, 2025
Southeastern DRC, A bridge at the Kalando mine in Mulondo, Lualaba province, gave way Saturday under a panicked crowd of illegal diggers, killing at least 32, with bodies reportedly piled on each… https://t.co/nzOjtppU5T pic.twitter.com/PMrYLOiZ5G
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