Tragic accident in Colombia. At least 18 gold mine workers have been trapped after a “serious accident”, the government said today, which “believes” that the trapped are still alive.
Illegal mine in Colombia
The accident occurred in Remidos, in the Geographical District Antioch of Colombia. In a message sent to the government, municipal authorities noted that it “seems” that it is a case of “illegal” mine exploitation.
“All emergency protocols were activated” to rescue the goldsmiths, the Minister of Mine and Energy Minister Edutin Palma said yesterday.
“We assume” that they remain alive, his ministry announced, without clarifying the causes of the accident.
The basic exit of the gold mine was excluded
Yarley Erasmo Marin, a local union of mines, told AFP that after “mechanical damage”, a structure aimed at blocking landslides allegedly collapsed, “excluding” the basic exit of the mine.
In progress the rescue of the trapped
Pictures released by the National Mineral Service show rescuers with torches conducting investigations.
Antioch’s geographical apartment in Colombia has a long tradition of mines. The gold, which is mined there, sometimes serves as a source of funding for armed groups such as Clan Del Golfo, a country’s main cartel, which is also involved in cocaine smuggling.
Accidents in coal mining
Accidents associated with carbon exploitation are more common in Colombia, especially in the central part of the country, and have dozens of victims each year.
