Briefly

ZIMBABWE

Gold mine accident causes eight deaths

A fatal blast caused by an oxygen cylinder in a Zimbabwean gold mine resulted in the death of six Chinese employees and two Zimbabwean employees, with one Chinese worker critically injured on Thursday. The Chinese medical team in Zimbabwe helped treat the wounded whose medical condition was listed as stable. According to the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe, the Chinese-funded private smelting company involved has suspended operations while assisting the local police to determine the cause of the explosion. The embassy called on the Chinese companies in Zimbabwe to heighten their awareness of production safety measures. Chinese companies were also urged to immediately conduct a thorough investigation of all risks involved in production process including raw materials to avoid accidents.

DR CONGO

At least 61 people die after boat capsize

More than 100 people are dead or missing after a boat accident last week on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo, officials said on Saturday. The accident took place overnight on Monday into Tuesday near the town of Bumba in the northwestern province of Mongala, where nine carved out canoes were attached to each other and overturned after being filled beyond safe capacity, according to local authorities and survivors. At least 61 bodies had been found, said Jose Misiso, Mongala's provincial minister of transport and communications. More than 100 were missing, including children and women, he said.

China Daily - Agencies