The death toll from Monday's explosion at an artisanal gold mine in Burkina Faso has risen from 59 to 63.

A suspect has been arrested, the source added.

The governor of the South West region, Emmanuel Zongo, also announced in a press statement the immediate closure of the area until further notice.

An explosion occurred on Monday at an artisanal gold mine in Gongombiro, the rural municipality of Gbomblora in the southwestern province of Poni.

The ministry in charge of mining had given a provisional estimate of 59 loss of life, serious injuries and significant property damage on Monday evening.

The cause of the explosion remained unknown. An investigation was underway.