Guacheta, Feb 07 (V7N) – Rescuers in Colombia on Friday recovered the bodies of two miners who were killed following an explosion at an illegal coal mine in Guacheta, located in the central department of Cundinamarca.

The blast occurred on Thursday, trapping six workers inside the mine. Forensic teams from the attorney general’s office, along with police and firefighters, retrieved the bodies as rescue operations continued amid difficult conditions.

Authorities believe the remaining four trapped miners have died due to a lack of oxygen. Cundinamarca Governor Jorge Emilio Rey said high concentrations of methane gas inside the mine initially hampered rescue efforts, forcing teams to deploy ventilation equipment to clear accumulated gases.

Relatives of the miners gathered outside the mine, which is situated in a forested area, as operations continued. Several miners in the area were reported to be deeply shaken by the incident, highlighting the dangers associated with unregulated mining activities.

Officials said the mine had previously been ordered to shut down but continued operating without proper authorization. Illegal and artisanal mining remains a significant safety concern in Colombia, where such accidents are frequent and often fatal.

Rescue teams worked through the night and into Friday afternoon as authorities continued efforts to secure the site and determine responsibility for the incident.

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