Nine killed in central Colombia mine explosion

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Nine miners died Monday in an explosion inside a coal mine in central Colombia caused by a buildup of gases, according to a final toll released by the mining authority.

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Mining accidents in Colombia are frequent and often fatal, especially in illegal or makeshift mines.

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Monday’s incident took place at a legally operated mine in the Sutatausa municipality, 45 miles (72 kilometres) north of the capital Bogota.

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The National Mining Agency said in a statement that six miners were rescued and nine were reported dead “following an emergency at a mine in Sutatausa, Cundinamarca.”

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Cundinamarca Governor Jorge Emilio Rey said on X that the explosion was “apparently due to a buildup of gases.”

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The governor had previously said that 12 people were trapped and three had managed to escape.

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Rescue workers were on their way to the site, he said, sharing images of ambulances at the mine’s entrance.

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Authorities were assessing gas levels in the mine before conducting rescue operations, he added.

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Mining accidents in Colombia usually occur due to poor ventilation.

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In the area where Monday’s incident took place, illegal mines that fail to meet safety standards are also in operation.

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AFP

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