At least 48 people lost their lives in a tragic gold mine collapse in western Mali on Saturday, officials and local sources confirmed.

The accident occurred at an illegally operated mining site, highlighting the ongoing dangers of unregulated gold mining in the country. According to a police source, some victims, including a woman carrying a baby, fell into the water.

The Kenieba gold miners' association and local authorities verified the death toll, while rescue efforts continue to locate missing individuals.

The site was previously run by a Chinese company but had been abandoned before illegal miners began operations, sources told AFP.

Mali, one of Africa's top gold producers, frequently witnesses fatal mining accidents. In January, a landslide at another mine killed at least 10 people, while over 70 people died in a similar collapse just over a year ago.