Nine miners have been confirmed dead following an explosion inside a coal mine in central Colombia, authorities told AFP.
The blast occurred in Sutatausa, a municipality located about 72 kilometers north of the capital, Bogotá. According to Colombia’s National Mining Agency, the explosion was likely caused by a buildup of underground gases a common hazard in coal mining operations.
Emergency responders were able to rescue six miners from the site, while others were initially trapped beneath the surface. Local officials say rescue teams had to carefully assess gas levels before entering the mine, highlighting the dangerous conditions faced during such operations.
Although the mine was legally operated, mining accidents remain a serious concern in Colombia and other parts of the world. Poor ventilation, gas accumulation, and unsafe working conditions continue to put miners at risk particularly in regions where informal or unregulated mining is widespread.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, as communities mourn the lives lost in yet another mining tragedy.