Nine coal miners killed in gas explosion in Colombia
At least nine coal miners died in a gas explosion at a mine in central Colombia. Officials said the disaster has reopened scrutiny of safety standards in the country's small-scale mining sector, with rescue operations still under way.
A methane explosion at a coal mine in Colombia's Cundinamarca province has become one of the deadliest mining accidents in the country in recent months. Officials said at least nine miners were killed and several more remain unaccounted for.
Rescue teams are advancing slowly through narrow galleries because of dangerously high methane levels. The national mining agency confirmed the pit had previously received safety warnings, and authorities have ordered fresh inspections at every small-scale coal operation in the country.
Colombia is the largest coal exporter in Latin America, but small artisanal pits remain plagued by weak safety standards. President Petro said his government wanted tougher oversight, but the dependence of local economies on mining will make rapid reform difficult.
More from South America
Report: Armani 15% stake could be split between L'Oreal, LVMH and EssilorLuxottica
Giorgio Armani's planned 15% stake sale could be split equally between L'Oreal, LVMH and EssilorLuxottica, according to a media report. Talks remain ongoing and none of the companies have publicly confirmed the structure.
Former US congressman convicted in Venezuela lobbying case
Former Florida congressman David Rivera has been convicted by a US jury of accepting millions of dollars from the Venezuelan government to lobby American politicians. Once a housemate of Senator Marco Rubio, Rivera now faces sentencing on multiple counts.
Three dead after monster truck crashes into crowd
A monster truck crashed into a crowd at a show in Colombia, killing at least three people and injuring 38. The incident raises fresh concerns about public safety at large events.