An explosion in a coal mine in the province of Cundinamarca, in Colombia, killed nine workers and injured six others, the ANM (National Mining Agency) reported in the early hours of Tuesday (5).
The explosion occurred at the La Ciscuda mine, operated by Carbonera Los Pinos, late on Monday night (4). According to ANM, the incident was caused by an explosion inside the mine. “We express our sincere condolences and our solidarity with the families”, said ANM.
Also according to the authority, on April 9, the ANM carried out an inspection at the site and issued a warning about coal deposits, which “may present accumulation of gases, such as methane, as well as concentrations of coal dust, which requires the implementation of adequate ventilation systems and permanent controls to mitigate risks in the area.”
After the emergency at the La Ciscuda mine, in Sutatausa, Cundinamarca, the ANM confirms 9 dead people and 6 miners rescued alive, who are receiving care at the Ubaté Regional Hospital.
Mining Rescue Teams coordinated by the ANM continue in the area.…
— AgenciaNaldeMinería (@ANMColumbia)
After the on-site inspection, ANM states that it presented recommendations with the aim of reinforcing safety conditions, including:
- Update inertization works within the scope of the project, due to the presence of coal dust, including the installation of barriers in transfer areas, such as silos and other critical points;
- Completely seal abandoned work areas where gas emissions, especially methane, have been detected, with the potential to generate dangerous accumulations;
- Include in the risk matrix the risks and hazards associated with collapses, explosions and coal dust control;
They were taken to a regional hospital to receive treatment, according to the governor of Cundinamarca, Jorge Emilio Rey Ángel, who lamented a tragedy.
“We deeply regret this tragedy and send a message of condolence, solidarity and support to their families. The other 6 people who were part of the shift were removed from the scene and transferred to the El Salvador Regional Hospital in Ubaté for medical evaluation.”
According to Ángel, care and verification tasks continue in the field with the assistance of relief teams.
The 9 miners who remained trapped in the La Trinidad mine, in , were found dead. We deeply regret this tragedy and send a message of condolence, solidarity and support to their families.
The other 6 people who were part of the shift…
— Jorge Emilio Rey Ángel (@JorgeEmilioRey)
Serious accidents are common in open pits and underground in Colombia, mainly in illegal or informal operations and those without adequate safety measures.
