Landslide at Illegal Gold Mine in Indonesia Kills 15

A landslide at an illegal gold mining operation in Solok district, West Sumatra, Indonesia, has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 miners, with 25 others reported missing. The incident occurred on September 26, triggered by heavy rains that destabilized the ground in the mining area. Rescuers are facing significant challenges, including an eight-hour trek to the remote site, hampered by poor telecommunications and access. Irwan Efendi, head of the provincial disaster agency, stated that many of the victims were locals engaged in manual gold mining. This tragic event highlights the dangers associated with the widespread illegal mining practices in Indonesia, which have led to numerous accidents in recent years. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities work to locate the missing miners and recover the deceased.