Colombia Gold Mine Collapse Death Toll Rises to Fourteen
The accident occurred at an open-pit gold mine along the Iscuandé River in the municipality of Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé, on Colombia’s Pacific coast.
Nariño Secretary of Peace and Human Rights Alex González told Noticias Caracol that 13 bodies had been recovered in Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé, while another victim was found in the neighboring municipality of Guapi, in Cauca department.
"So far, there are 14 confirmed deaths. Thirteen bodies have been recovered in the town of Santa Barbara de Iscuande, and one body is in the municipality of Guapi. In addition, seven people are injured," Gonzalez said.
Four of the injured were reported to be in serious condition. In response, the Nariño Governor’s Office coordinated with the Colombian Army’s Third Division to arrange their evacuation by air to Tumaco, where they could receive medical treatment.
González explained that the incident occurred when part of the open-pit mine gave way, trapping workers beneath the collapsed material.
UN Human Rights Colombia called on Tuesday for authorities involved in the National Disaster Risk Management System to provide assistance to injured people and families affected by the disaster.
"We urge the State to implement all necessary prevention actions, through territorial transformation measures and investigation and sanctioning of these illegal activities in the territories, which are affecting the people who are forced to work in those spaces without any kind of guarantees, in addition to causing harm to the environment and the health of the communities," the organization said on US social media platform X.
The mine is situated within the territory of the Iscuandé River Basin Community Council, according to the information provided.
Initial reports had put the number of fatalities at nine, but the toll increased to 14 as rescue operations progressed and additional victims were accounted for.
González later confirmed that search operations had concluded, with no further people reported missing. The final reported figures stood at 14 deaths and seven injuries, including four people in serious condition.
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