At least 59 die in BFaso blast; injured in hospital

A strong explosion near a gold mining site in southwestern Burkina Faso killed at least 59 people and injured more than 100 others on Monday.

The explosion was believed to have been caused by chemicals used to treat gold that were stocked at the site. Burkina Faso is the fastest-growing gold producer in Africa and currently the fifth largest on the continent, with gold being the country's most important export. Small gold mines have grown in recent years, with some 800 across the country. Mining experts say the small-scale mines have fewer regulations than industrial ones and thus can be more dangerous.