At least 146 people died in 117 mine accidents in Colombia last year
16 March 2023 - 20:27
byJulia Symmes Cobb
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Family members of trapped miners wait for news in Sutatausa,Colombia, March 15 2023. Picture: NATHALIA ANGARITA/BLOOMBERG
Bogota — Ten miners reported missing after an explosion caused by accumulated gas in coal mines in central Colombia have been found dead, raising the death toll to 21, authorities said on Thursday.
The explosion in several adjoining coal mines took place late on Tuesday in a rural area of Sutatausa, about 75km north of Bogota.
“I have been in communication with governor Nicolas Garcia, who just informed me that despite all the efforts of rescue teams, unfortunately 21 people lost their lives in the tragic accident in Sutatausa,” President Gustavo Petro said on Twitter.
Every workplace death is not only a failure of companies, but also of society and the government, added Petro, who was elected partly on promises to shift the country from oil and coal, its two top exports, and towards renewable energy.
Activities at the mines have been suspended, the national mining agency said in its own tweet, and an investigation to establish the causes of the explosion will take place before a reopening can be considered.
Serious accidents are common at open pit and subterranean coal and gold mines in Colombia, mostly at illegal or informal operations and those without proper safety measures.
There were 117 accidents at mines in Colombia last year, according to the agency, killing 146 people.
The deadliest recent accident was in June 2010, when 73 people were killed in a mine explosion the northwest.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Colombia coal mines blast toll rises to 21
At least 146 people died in 117 mine accidents in Colombia last year
Bogota — Ten miners reported missing after an explosion caused by accumulated gas in coal mines in central Colombia have been found dead, raising the death toll to 21, authorities said on Thursday.
The explosion in several adjoining coal mines took place late on Tuesday in a rural area of Sutatausa, about 75km north of Bogota.
“I have been in communication with governor Nicolas Garcia, who just informed me that despite all the efforts of rescue teams, unfortunately 21 people lost their lives in the tragic accident in Sutatausa,” President Gustavo Petro said on Twitter.
Every workplace death is not only a failure of companies, but also of society and the government, added Petro, who was elected partly on promises to shift the country from oil and coal, its two top exports, and towards renewable energy.
Activities at the mines have been suspended, the national mining agency said in its own tweet, and an investigation to establish the causes of the explosion will take place before a reopening can be considered.
Serious accidents are common at open pit and subterranean coal and gold mines in Colombia, mostly at illegal or informal operations and those without proper safety measures.
There were 117 accidents at mines in Colombia last year, according to the agency, killing 146 people.
The deadliest recent accident was in June 2010, when 73 people were killed in a mine explosion the northwest.
Reuters
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