19.10.2026 23:11
A landslide disaster at a gold mine in Colombia has claimed the lives of at least 15 people. It was reported that at least nine of the miners who died after being trapped under tons of soil and rocks were from the same family. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing after the disaster, which occurred while many people were in the mine, and there are fears that the death toll may rise.
A landslide at a small-scale gold mine in Colombia led to a disaster. At least 15 people lost their lives after tons of earth and rock covered the mine. While it was reported that more than 30 people were in the area during the incident, search and rescue efforts continue. Authorities fear the death toll may rise.
TONS OF EARTH AND ROCK SWALLOWED THE MINE
The disaster occurred in Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé, in the Nariño region in southwestern Colombia. The landslide, which occurred at around 08:30 local time, left the small-scale gold mine site buried under piles of earth and rock.
According to initial assessments, more than 30 people were working at the mine during the incident. After the landslide, some workers were reported to be trapped under the earth.
RESCUE EFFORTS CONTINUE
Medical teams, security forces and search and rescue personnel were dispatched to the area. It was reported that local residents also supported the efforts with shovels and primitive digging tools.
However, the area's location in a densely forested and hard-to-access point makes intervention efforts difficult. Authorities also put on the agenda sending a hospital ship to the region to treat the injured and strengthen health services.
SOME OF THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES WERE FROM THE SAME FAMILY
According to initial information, at least nine of those who died were reported to be from the same family. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as they continue efforts to reach people who may be trapped under the rubble.
Armed groups in the region were also called upon to allow safe passage for search and rescue and humanitarian aid teams.
MINING ACCIDENTS RAISE CONCERNS IN THE REGION
Accidents in Colombia, especially at unlicensed mine sites with limited oversight, have brought occupational safety back onto the agenda. Inadequate safety conditions and armed groups operating in the region make mining activities even riskier.