Niger gold mine death toll rises to 32

More bodies have been recovered from a mine collapse in southern Niger that happened on Sunday night – bringing the total number of deaths to 32, a regional MP has told the BBC.

At least 25 bodies have been retrieved after a gold mine collapsed in southern Niger on Sunday, a regional MP has told the BBC.

Rescue workers and local volunteers are using their bare hands and simple tools to dig into the earth and save the lives of dozens more young men still trapped underground at the site in Kondago village.

Witnesses say their efforts are being hampered by a lack of equipment in this remote part of the country.

It’s not yet clear what caused the mine to collapse. Since the discovery of gold in the Maradi region earlier this year, hundreds of people have been rushing to the area in the hopes of making money.

This is the second time one of Maradi’s mines has collapsed – the last one left at least eight people dead.