Collapse of Gold Mine in Venezuela Leaves 14 Dead as Rescue Efforts Continue
At least fourteen people have died following the collapse of a gold mine in the town of El Cayao in southeastern Venezuela. The tragic incident was triggered by heavy rains that flooded the area, causing extensive parts of the mine to cave in, according to local authorities.
The authorities indicated that the collapse occurred inside three shafts belonging to the Cuatro Esquinas de Caratal mine, where rescue teams are currently pumping large volumes of water to facilitate the search for the missing and assess the extent of the damage on-site.
Local fire teams noted that the heavy rainfall had led to the collapse of vertical shafts, locally referred to as “gaps,” which complicated efforts to reach the trapped workers.
In an effort to expedite rescue operations, a field command center has been established under the supervision of General Gregorio González Acevedo, responsible for the operational areas in Bolívar State, to coordinate efforts among various civil and military agencies.
