Nine Dead in Colombia Coal Mine Explosion After Gas Warning

Nine people have died in an explosion at a coal mine in Colombia.

Tragedy Underground

This is the latest fatal accident to hit the country’s mining sector. Emergency workers rescued six miners from the shafts.
The mine is in Sutatausa. That is north of the capital, Bogotá. The explosion happened at 16:00 local time on Monday.

Gas Build-Up Likely Cause

Colombia’s national mining agency said a build-up of gases likely caused the blast. However, officials had warned the mine’s operators less than a month ago. An inspection found a “potentially dangerous gas build-up”. The agency published a list of recommendations at that time.
Many mines in Colombia operate informally. As a result, they lack proper safety standards. This tragedy highlights that ongoing problem.