Colombian coal mine blast kills 11, search on for survivors

Bogota, March 16 (BNA) A powerful explosion destroyed a chain of five coal mines interconnected by tunnels and ventilation systems in a rural area of ​​central Colombia, killing at least 11 people and leaving 10 others missing, the government announced Wednesday.

The Associated Press reported that nine other workers who emerged from the complex after the blast were taken for medical examinations, and three of them were still receiving treatment on Wednesday night.

President Gustavo Petro said on his Twitter account that rescuers are doing their best to reach the missing miners.

The explosion, which has been attributed to a buildup of methane gas, occurred Tuesday night in Sotatosa, a municipality in Cundinamarca province 75 miles (45 miles) from the capital, Bogota.

Alvaro Farfan, captain of the Cundinamarca Fire Department, told local media that the explosion affected five mines linked together through tunnels, creating a “chain” explosion with a wide impact.

Petro said 11 workers were confirmed dead. Energy and Mines Minister Irene Velez said 10 people were missing.

Javier Bava, director of the state-run National Disaster Risk Management Unit, said six bodies were found by searchers, while five more bodies were sighted.

Explosions and caverns are common in Colombia’s coal mines.

FKN