9 People Killed in Mine Explosion in Colombia

Nine people were reported dead and six others could be rescued due to an explosion at the La Ciscuda mine in the city of Sutatausa, Cundinamarca Province, Colombia.

"Six miners have been rescued and one was killed in a work accident at a mine in Sutatausa, Cundinamarca," the National Mining Agency (ANM) of Colombia said, quoted by Sputnik, Tuesday, May 5.

The victim who was injured is receiving medical treatment at the local hospital.

Previously, local authorities said that as many as 15 workers were underground at the time of the incident, but only three of them managed to reach the surface.

The Colombian mining agency said the incident occurred due to an explosion inside a mine owned by operator Carboneras Los Pinos SAS. ANM also expressed condolences to the victims' families and has coordinated rescue operations.

ANM said the technical inspection was carried out on April 9. Then, the company received recommendations to strengthen safety measures, including updating the dampening system due to coal dust, closing the former mine with methane emissions, and taking into account the risk of landslides and explosions.

The agency said methane and coal dust can accumulate in coal mines, so it needs constant monitoring and effective ventilation.