Officials say 21 workers killed at coal mine in Colombia

Rescue workers gather after an explosion at a coal mine that according to authorities killed at least 11 people in in Sutatausa, Cundinamarca Department, Colombia, Wednesday, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Rescue operations at a coal mine in central Colombia that collapsed earlier this week ended Thursday and officials said the accident had left 21 workers dead.

The mine near the town of Sutatausa collapsed late Tuesday following an explosion that blocked several of its entrances. Rescue teams worked nonstop for more than 30 hours to find survivors and retrieve bodies.

Forensic technicians carry a stretchers with the remains of a miners killed at a coal mine explosion that according to authorities killed at least 11 people in Sutatausa, Cundinamarca Department, Colombia, Wednesday, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)

Nicolás García, the governor of Cundinamarca province, said nine workers survived the accident and had been released from hospital, while the relatives of miners who were killed were receiving psychological support. Officials said all of the workers who were at the mine at the time of the accident had been accounted for.

Colombian Minister of Mines Irene Velez said Thursday that the explosion was caused by methane inside the mine. She said the complex would remain closed until officials investigate how the explosion occurred.

Miners ride on the back of a pick up after helping in rescue efforts after an explosion at a coal mine that according to authorities killed at least 11 people in Sutatausa, Cundinamarca Department, Colombia, Wednesday, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)

Mining accidents are common in Colombia, particularly in coal and gold mines. Last year 117 accidents were registered at mines throughout the country by the National Mining Agency, which says that 146 workers were killed in those incidents.