Gold mine collapse in Indonesia kills at least 5

A traditional gold mine collapsed in Indonesia’s West Java province on May 13, taking the lives of at least five people and burying 15 others.

At the scene of the collapse

According to the national disaster management agency of Indonesia, the incident occurred at Bantar village, Bogor district.

Rescuers have taken five bodies out from the mine and are making efforts to retrieve others who are believed to be buried.

The rescue operation, however, was coping with difficulties as specialized equipment has yet been used due to complicated geographical conditions as the mine collapse occurred at a steep part of the mountain flank.

The disaster management agency said it thought heavy rain was the reason behind the collapse.

Indonesia has many small-scaled traditional gold mines in remote areas.

Gold mine collapse happens often due to lack of labour safety regulations.

VNA