Sudanese authorities said at least 38 people were killed Tuesday when a defunct gold mine collapsed in West Kordofan province.

The country’s state-run mining company said in a statement the collapse of the closed, non-functioning mine took place in the village of Fuja, 700 kilometres south of the capital of Khartoum.

The Sudanese Mineral Resources Limited Company said there were also injuries, without giving a specific tally. Local media reported at least eight people were taken to a local hospital after several shafts collapsed at the Darsaya mine.

The mining company posted images on Facebook showing villagers gathering at the site as at least two