Ghana illegal mine collapse kills 15; 13 women

A police official says 15 people -- 13 of them women -- were killed when a gold mine caved in on them in western Ghana.

Western region Superintendent Victor Agbetornyo said Thursday that police are trying to identify the dead.

He says the victims were prospecting in an illegal gold mine in the town of Dompoase when it collapsed on Tuesday.

Police did now know how many people were working in the mine at the time but other miners escaped unharmed.

Police in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, say they have launched an investigation.

The West African nation is one of the continent's largest gold exporters.

In the news

Loading...

Currently in Salon

  • A congressman writes to his constituents: "Thank God for gerrymandering"
  • How does a serial killer drama cross the line? With gallons of fake blood and one heartless, season-ending twist
  • Help Salon count down the 10 nuttiest newsmakers in the last 12 months, and pick our No. 1
  • Who do you want to celebrate the holidays with? Plus: Last week's holiday host drink winners
  • Conservative Jones, boy detective, tackles the mystery of healthcare reform
  • No, I'm not kidding: The "reality film" shot while the U.S. bombed Baghdad is disturbing, relevant history
  • Fighting wars without public support or for undisclosed reasons is profoundly undemocratic
  • A new comic romps through one of philosophy's greatest debates
  • It's time to turn it over. It's time to just heal
  • Salon Bar Challenge: Our winner has no hard feelings, with the help of a little vodka, chamomile and pomegranate

Other News