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Myanmar jade mine landslide kills dozens | Myanmar jade mine landslide kills dozens |
(32 minutes later) | |
At least 50 people have been killed in a landslide at a jade mining site in northern Myanmar, officials say. | At least 50 people have been killed in a landslide at a jade mining site in northern Myanmar, officials say. |
Some reports say that more people may be missing at the site in the Hpakant area of Kachin state. | |
A wave of mud triggered by heavy rain engulfed those collecting stones, the fire service said. | A wave of mud triggered by heavy rain engulfed those collecting stones, the fire service said. |
Myanmar is the world's biggest source of jade but its mines have seen numerous accidents, many involving people who scavenge for stones. | Myanmar is the world's biggest source of jade but its mines have seen numerous accidents, many involving people who scavenge for stones. |
The country's fire service department said in a Facebook post: "Now in total 50 dead bodies. We are still working on the rescue process." | The country's fire service department said in a Facebook post: "Now in total 50 dead bodies. We are still working on the rescue process." |
It added: "The jade miners were smothered by a wave of mud, which hit after heavy rainfall." | It added: "The jade miners were smothered by a wave of mud, which hit after heavy rainfall." |
The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says video of the incident shows a landslide pouring into a flooded pit. The sides then collapse sending water surging into the valley below. | |
It is unclear exactly who was affected by the accident. Hundreds of people gather at mines to sift through rubble discarded from lorries, hoping to find jade stones. | It is unclear exactly who was affected by the accident. Hundreds of people gather at mines to sift through rubble discarded from lorries, hoping to find jade stones. |
The rubble creates large slopes that can be dangerous in an area denuded of trees and resembling a moonscape. | |
More than 100 people died last year alone at mining sites. | More than 100 people died last year alone at mining sites. |
Myanmar's jade trade is reported to be worth more than $30bn (£24bn) a year. Hpakant is the site of the world's biggest jade mine. | Myanmar's jade trade is reported to be worth more than $30bn (£24bn) a year. Hpakant is the site of the world's biggest jade mine. |
Our correspondent says a new gemstone mining law was passed last year, but critics say the government has too few inspectors with only limited authority to stop illegal practices. |