Coal mine explosion in Colombia, at least 3 people killed

Friday, April 21, 2023 14:26 (GMT+7)

(CPV) - On April 20 (local time), the Colombian National Mining Agency announced that at least 3 out of 7 missing miners were confirmed dead after a coal mine explosion that morning in Cucunuba city, Cundinamarca province.

Cundinamarca Governor Nicolas Garcia confirmed: "At least 7 miners are missing after an explosion in the city of Cucunuba, Cundinamarca province." Mr. Nicolas Garcia cited a report from the search and rescue team saying that 4 trapped miners were taken out of the mine and taken to the hospital for treatment, while authorities continued to search and rescue 7 other miners who are still missing.

The explosion occurred at around 1:00 a.m. (local time) at several intersecting mines in the Pueblo Viejo area.

In the media, Colombian Minister of Mines and Energy Irene Velez said that forces from the National Mining Agency, Civil Defense, Public Forces and Fire Department are actively participating in the search and rescue operation.

"It is very difficult to move into the mines due to toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, methane and coal dust... coming from the mines that are more than 900 meters deep," noted Captain Alvaro Farfan of the Cundinamarca Fire Department. The official also said that the affected mines include El Roble, El Condor and El Manto.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the explosion.

Coal mine explosions are common in illegal mining areas in Cundinamarca and other areas in central and northeastern Colombia.

The country's Ministry of Mines and Energy recorded 1,262 accidents involving coal mines from 2011 to May 2022, killing an average of more than 100 people each year.

Earlier, on March 14, a large explosion was also recorded in the city of Sutatausa, Cundinamarca province, killing at least 21 people. This is one of the worst tragedies to occur in Colombia in recent years. The explosion affected 5 coal mines connected by a system of tunnels and ventilation./.

H.Ha (According to Xinhua, AFP)

Source link