Seven people working in mineral extraction have died after being trapped in a mine in Mageragere Sector, Nyarugenge District.
The accident occurred on the evening of Thursday, November 5, 2026, at a mine operated by Calliane Mine Ltd.
Kigali City spokesperson Emma Claudine Ntirenganya told Umunota that the accident happened while the workers were underground extracting minerals. They had reached an area where they were drilling through water, but the water suddenly flooded in large quantities, preventing them from escaping the mine.
She said that, besides the seven fatalities, one person was taken to hospital, while others were rescued after receiving first aid.
“Emergency responders arrived immediately, helped the others get out, and recovered all the bodies of those who died,” she said.
“We extend our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this accident,” she added.
Ntirenganya said the mining operations were legally authorised and that the company operating the mine had insurance.
She urged people working in the mining sector to maintain safety measures and ensure they have adequate insurance coverage.
