50 persons recorded dead in DR Congo mine collapse.

No fewer than 50 people were killed after a gold mine collapsed in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday.

The unfortunate incident occurred on Friday in the town of Kamitugu in the South Kivu province, following days of heavy rain.

The major cause of the slide is currently under investigation.

Local media quoted a survivor as saying that more than 50 people had been in the 3 shafts which water had been poured into.

This was confirmed by the Provincial Governor, Theo Ngwabidje on Saturday that majority of the victims were young people, including children.

Rescuers are currently identifying the dead and providing assistance.

Kamituga Mayor, Alexandre Bundya decreed a 2-day mourning period and also called on local residents to help rescuers extract bodies from the ground.