Death Toll In Last Week's Colombia Mine Blast Rises To 32

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Dow Jones Newswires

Death Toll In Last Week's Colombia Mine Blast Rises To 32
Today : Monday 21 June 2010

The death toll of a mine blast in northwestern Colombia rose to 32 workers Monday, stoking fears that it could increase to more than 70.

The miners were trapped by an explosion Wednesday night caused by a pocket of methane gas in a 2,000-meter long underground tunnel.

Local media reported that rescue workers had recovered 32 bodies by Monday morning, but were struggling to make progress as the blast left at least five cave-ins which are slowing down the operations. The search-and-rescue team is still looking for some 40 miners.

The mine, which is privately held and produces thermal coal for the domestic market, was last examined by authorities June 9. They found that the mine didn't have gas detectors.

Read more: http://www.advfn.com/news_Death-Toll-In-Last-Weeks-Colombia-Mine-Blast-Rises-To-32_43312663.html