60 killed, scores injured in Burkina Faso gold mine blast 

Ouagadougou: At least 60 people were killed while over 100 others sustained injuries in an explosion at an informal gold mining site in southwest Burkina Faso, state television reported, citing officials.

According to authorities, the blast occurred when a stock of dynamite blew up in makeshift gold-panning site at Gomgombiro in the southwest of the country.

The cause of the explosion was not yet known.

Moreover, it was not clear exactly what kind of gold mining went on at the site. 

Burkina Faso is home to some major gold mines run by international companies, but also to hundreds of smaller, informal sites that operate without oversight or regulation.  

Images showed a large blast site of felled trees and destroyed tin houses. Bodies lay on the ground, covered in mats.

Children frequently work in these artisanal mines; accidents are common. 

The explosion was believed to be caused by chemicals used to treat gold that were stocked at the site.  

Reportedly, the first blast happened around 2 pm. local time, with more explosions occurring as people ran for their lives. 

Mining experts have said that small-scale mines have fewer regulations than their industrial counterparts, leading to more dangerous conditions.