The tragic incident of a collapse at an illicitly operated open-pit gold mine in central Venezuela has resulted in the loss of at least 14 lives and left numerous others injured, according to state authorities who spoke on Wednesday. Reports suggest that some individuals could potentially be trapped under the rubble, raising concerns about the possibility of the death toll increasing significantly.
Governor Angel Marcano of Bolivar state provided updates to local media outlets, revealing that rescuers had recovered 14 bodies thus far, with information indicating that at least 11 individuals had sustained injuries in the incident. Efforts to rescue any survivors and retrieve additional casualties are ongoing, with relatives of the victims urging authorities to expedite the rescue operations.
The tragic event occurred in the Angostura municipality on Tuesday, triggered by the collapse of a wall at the Bulla Loca mine, situated in a remote area accessible only through an arduous boat journey lasting several hours.
Mayor Yorgi Arciniega of Angostura expressed concerns about the potential scale of the disaster late on Tuesday, indicating preparations to provide assistance for a significant number of casualties by arranging for the transportation of around 30 coffins to a nearby community.
Meanwhile, family members of the miners gathered in La Paragua, the nearest settlement to the mine, pleaded with the government to deploy helicopters or aircraft to facilitate the evacuation of the injured and the recovery of the deceased. Karina RÂos, whose daughter's father was among those trapped in the collapse, voiced apprehension about the rapid decomposition of bodies due to the environmental conditions prevailing in the area.
Venezuela has witnessed a surge in mining activities, particularly in the wake of the establishment of a vast mining development zone by the government in 2016, aimed at diversifying the country's revenue sources alongside its oil sector. However, many mining operations operate clandestinely or operate on the fringes of legality, offering lucrative employment opportunities while subjecting workers to harsh and perilous conditions.
Survivor Carlos Marcano, aged 71, recounted the harrowing ordeal he endured during the collapse and emphasized the distressing circumstances faced by those trapped in the mine. Despite managing to escape, Marcano lamented the loss of his colleagues and expressed concern for those who remain unaccounted for, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive rescue efforts to retrieve the victims still buried under the debris.
