Some 59 people were killed on Monday in a gold mine blast in Gbomblora, in the province of Poni in southwest Burkina Faso, reported the country's broadcaster RTB.

55 people died at the scene of the explosion, while four others succumbed to their injuries in hospitals.

At least 55 other people were injured, according to the provisional toll.

The cause of the explosion remains unknown, but several witnesses contacted by Xinhua explained that the explosion started from a fire which consumed a stock of explosives used by the gold miners during their operations.

An investigation is underway, said the RTB.