At least five people have lost their lives due to an explosion that occurred at the Cerredo mine located in Degaña, Asturias, in northern Spain. The tragic blast took place around 09:30 local time (07:30 GMT) on Monday, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. The authorities were alerted to what was initially reported as a "problem with a machine" in the mine.
In addition to the confirmed fatalities, at least four more individuals sustained injuries as a result of the explosion. Although two workers were reported missing in the aftermath of the incident, they were located and accounted for by early afternoon. The deceased were residents of the nearby province of León, aged between 32 and 54 years, according to the regional government.
The injured victims have since been admitted to local hospitals for ongoing treatment, as the mining rescue brigade was deployed along with its specialized canine unit to aid in the search and rescue operations. Local media outlets have reported that the miners were operating under a permit to extract minerals meant for graphite production.
Historically, the Cerredo mine was a significant mining site before its closure in 2018. It's known to have been temporarily utilized by private companies for anthracite extraction since then. Details regarding how many personnel were present at the time of the explosion remain unclear.
In response to the tragedy, the President of Asturias, Adrián Barbón, has declared two days of mourning across the region. The local civil protection plan, which is designed to address emergency situations, has also been activated at its lowest level indicating the situation is manageable with available resources.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences to the families affected by the catastrophe, stating on social media, "I wish a speedy recovery to those injured." As investigations continue, the tragic event highlights the ongoing risks associated with mining operations in the region.
