A tragic mine collapse in Sudan’s Red Sea State has claimed the lives of 10 artisanal miners and left 21 others injured, according to the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company.

The accident occurred on Saturday when five underground shafts in the Oni area collapsed one after another, burying miners under rock and soil. Rescue operations have been severely hampered by difficult access to parts of the mining site, making it challenging to determine the exact number of missing miners.

Artisanal mining, a livelihood for thousands in Sudan, often involves unsafe practices and poorly reinforced shafts, leaving workers vulnerable to such disasters. Officials said emergency teams are working tirelessly to reach trapped miners, but unstable ground conditions continue to pose risks.

The tragedy has reignited concerns about safety standards in Sudan’s mining sector, which has seen repeated accidents in recent years. Families of the victims gathered near the site, awaiting updates as authorities struggle to stabilize the area and recover those still missing.

This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and better infrastructure in artisanal mining, which remains a vital source of income but carries significant dangers.