Death toll from Colombia coal mine explosion climbs to 21

BOGOTA, 17th March, 2023 (WAM) — Ten miners reported missing after an explosion caused by accumulated gas in coal mines in central Colombia have been found dead, raising the death toll to 21, Reuters said on Thursday.

The explosion in several adjoining coal mines took place late on Tuesday in a rural area of Sutatausa, about 75 km (46 miles) north of Bogota.

“I have been in communication with Governor Nicolas Garcia, who just informed me that despite all the efforts of rescue teams, unfortunately, 21 people lost their lives in the tragic accident in Sutatausa,” President Gustavo Petro said on Twitter.

Activities at the mines have been suspended, the national mining agency said in its own tweet, and an investigation to establish the causes of the explosion will take place before a reopening can be considered.