LUSAKA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Five illegal miners were trapped after a gold mine collapsed in Zambia's Central Province, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Collins Nzovu said Thursday.

Local media reported that the accident occurred on Monday at an abandoned mine.

In a post on social media, the minister said current efforts are focused on rescuing the trapped miners alive, with other issues to be addressed afterward.

He urged the public and the media to refrain from speculation and allow rescue teams the space to work.

Over the years, Zambia has experienced recurring mining accidents associated with informal or unregulated mining activities, prompting the government to enhance regulatory oversight and enforcement in the mining sector. ■