A devastating mine explosion in Spain’s northern Asturias region has claimed the lives of at least five workers and left four others injured, according to local emergency services.
The incident took place on Monday morning at the Cerredo mine in Degana, around 450 km (280 miles) northwest of Madrid. The victims, aged between 32 and 54, were from the neighboring Leon region.
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Adriana Lastra, a representative from the central government in Asturias, mentioned that initial investigations indicated the explosion might have been caused by a buildup of methane, forming an explosive mixture known as firedamp.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the blast, with police already on-site. The injured workers, who sustained burns and one with a head injury, were taken to nearby hospitals, two of them by helicopter.
Local reports revealed that the mine is operated by Blue Solving, a recently established company aiming to extract high-performance minerals for industrial purposes.
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The regional leader of Asturias, Adrian Barbon, announced two days of mourning in honor of the victims.
Asturias has a long history of mining, and the industry remains a key part of the region’s economy.
