At least 14 people have died in Venezuela following the collapse of a mine in Callao, after heavy rains hit the southeastern region of the country, authorities reported.
A command center was established to coordinate the recovery of the 14 bodies, led by Brigadier General Gregory Gonzales Acevedo, head of operational areas responsible for damage assessment and needs analysis in Bolívar state.
The fatalities occurred in three different shafts at the Cuatro Esquinas de Caratal mine in the town of El Callao, located about 850 kilometers (528 miles) southeast of Caracas, according to a statement by city authorities on Instagram.
Search and rescue operations began by pumping water from all shafts in the area to lower their levels, followed by assessing efforts to rescue individuals trapped inside the gold mine, the statement said without providing further details.
Firefighters in Callao stated on social media that the death toll is based on the testimony of other miners.
A command center was established to coordinate the recovery of the 14 bodies, led by Brigadier General Gregory Gonzales Acevedo, head of operational areas responsible for damage assessment and needs analysis in Bolívar state.
The fatalities occurred in three different shafts at the Cuatro Esquinas de Caratal mine in the town of El Callao, located about 850 kilometers (528 miles) southeast of Caracas, according to a statement by city authorities on Instagram.
Search and rescue operations began by pumping water from all shafts in the area to lower their levels, followed by assessing efforts to rescue individuals trapped inside the gold mine, the statement said without providing further details.
Firefighters in Callao stated on social media that the death toll is based on the testimony of other miners.
