Colombia mine blast traps dozens
- 10 years ago
About 30 people have been trapped underground by an explosion at this gold mine in Colombia.
The exact number isn't clear because the mine was operating illegally.
Authorities say an initial explosion set off a landslide, complicating rescue efforts.
Search teams with sniffer dogs and heavy machinery are trying to find the missing.
For their relatives there's a distressing wait for news.
(SOUNDBITE)(Spanish) MARIA CARABALI, RELATIVE OF MISSING MINER, SAYING:
"We've always been a united family but in this case we have to unite even more because all this is tough. It's something you don't wish on anyone and we hope the state says something. That's what we ask for. It's been two nights of uncertainty. With today two days have gone by."
The government says authorities tried to close down the mine a month ago but were unable to do so because rioting broke out.
Colombia, one of the world's top 20 gold producers, says about half of all mining
The exact number isn't clear because the mine was operating illegally.
Authorities say an initial explosion set off a landslide, complicating rescue efforts.
Search teams with sniffer dogs and heavy machinery are trying to find the missing.
For their relatives there's a distressing wait for news.
(SOUNDBITE)(Spanish) MARIA CARABALI, RELATIVE OF MISSING MINER, SAYING:
"We've always been a united family but in this case we have to unite even more because all this is tough. It's something you don't wish on anyone and we hope the state says something. That's what we ask for. It's been two nights of uncertainty. With today two days have gone by."
The government says authorities tried to close down the mine a month ago but were unable to do so because rioting broke out.
Colombia, one of the world's top 20 gold producers, says about half of all mining