Jade mine landslide kills 50 in northern Myanmar

Miners were collecting jade stones in Hpakantarea of Kachin state when muddy landslide buried them, officials say

ANKARA:

At least 50 miners were killed in a landslide at a jade mine in northern Myanmar, the country's emergency services reported on Thursday.

The landslide in the state of Kachin was caused by heavy rain, triggering a "muddy wave" which buried the miners, the Fire Service said on Facebook.

The miners were collecting jade stones in Hpakantarea township, it added.

"Thirty-five bodies were recovered on Thursday (9:40 am local time) and then 15 more bodies were recovered (10:00 am),” corresponding to about 3.30 am GMT, said the statement.

Rescue workers have reached the area and operations are continuing.