Sudan gold mine collapse kills at least 60

KHARTOUM, Sudan, May 2 (UPI) -- At least 60 people are dead and 95 are missing after a gold mine pit collapsed in North Darfur, Sudan, officials said.

The pit in the Jebel Amer mine, which collapsed Monday, is 60 meters (196 feet) deep and branches out in 22 directions at the bottom, Sudan's Radio Dabanga reported Thursday.

Workers who were sent in to examine the collapse are among those trapped in the pit.

The gold mine is located in area that has been the scene of conflict between the Abbala and Beni Hussein tribes. Hundreds of people have died in the fighting this year and thousands have been displaced, CNN reported Thursday.

Authorities ordered the mine shut until calm is restored in the region, CNN said.