Briefly

DR CONGO

More than 200 killed in mine collapse

The death toll from a landslide at a mining site in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has crossed 200, the government said on Wednesday. The incident occurred at the Rubaya mining sites, known for its coltan deposits, in North Kivu Province following "exceptionally heavy rains", the mining ministry said in a statement. "The provisional toll counts more than 200 compatriots who lost their lives, including 70 children and numerous wounded," the ministry said. The Rubaya mining zone has been under the control of the March 23 Movement rebel group since 2024, making rescue operations particularly difficult, it said. The M23 has not yet commented on the incident.

JAPAN

Startup's space rocket fails for third time

A Japanese startup's third attempt to put a satellite in orbit failed on Thursday after its rocket spiraled back to Earth shortly after takeoff. Space One, hoping to become the first private Japanese firm to put a satellite in space, said that what went wrong was "under investigation". Footage showed the Kairos rocket blasting off from the launch site in the coastal Wakayama region of western Japan at 11:10 am up into the blue sky. But shortly afterward, the 18-meter rocket appeared to run out of power and head back downward in a spin. Space One said "no major anomalies" had been identified within the aircraft itself.

Agencies - Xinhua