Seven people have died as a result of a gas explosion at an unlicensed coal mine in Colombia, according to a newest, final tally released by authorities.
The explosion, due to a methane build-up, occurred on Thursday in Soutatausa, in the central part of the country.
The first victim was recovered shortly afterwards. Yesterday, the toll grew heavier, with the discovery of the bodies of five more miners, said the National Authority for Mines and Mining via X.
Then, the governor in Cundinamarca, Jorge Emilio Rey Angel, said via X that “we regret to inform you that, according to the latest official report on the mine accident that occurred in the municipality of Soutatausa, seven worker deaths have been confirmed.”
He added that an investigation is being carried out.
Suttawa is some 74 kilometres north of the capital Bogota. Coal mining is the main economic activity in the area and fatal accidents are far from rare. They are generally attributed to gas concentrations due to inadequate ventilation in the galleries, especially plants operating illegally, or with substandard means.
In May, two explosions at mines, one of which is located in Southasa, claimed the lives of a total of 13 workers. Another six were killed in February due to an explosion at an illegal coal mine in Wachetta in the same area.
