Nine Coal Miners Killed in Gas Explosion in Colombia
A methane explosion at a coal mine in Colombia's central Boyacá region has killed nine workers, authorities said. Rescue teams continued searching for survivors as the government promised a fresh review of safety practices in the country's small mining operations.
An explosion at a small coal mine in the town of Sutatausa, in Colombia's central Boyacá region, has killed at least nine workers. The National Mining Emergency Agency said a buildup of methane gas underground appears to have caused the blast.
Rescue teams brought the last bodies to the surface hours after the accident, with officials reporting that poor ventilation and the risk of further collapse slowed the operation. The same site had received earlier safety warnings linked to smaller incidents.
The Colombian government said it will review the inspection regime governing small-scale coal mines and pledged support to the victims' families. Coal output, although its share of national exports has eased in recent years, remains a pillar of the Boyacá regional economy.
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