Tragic Explosion Claims Lives at Spanish Mine

An explosion at a mine in northern Spain has resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and injured several others. The incident has prompted a regional mourning period and significant emergency response efforts.

At least five people have tragically lost their lives in an explosion at the Cerredo mine located in Degaña, Asturias, northern Spain. The incident occurred around 09:30 local time on Monday, drawing immediate attention from emergency services who were summoned to address a reported malfunction involving machinery at the mine.

According to officials, five individuals, all residents of the north-western province of León, were confirmed dead, with their ages ranging from 32 to 54 years. Alongside these tragic deaths, four individuals sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention. Initially, two additional persons had been reported missing but were located safe by early afternoon.

The mining rescue brigade, including a canine unit, was deployed to assist in the response. Local media reports indicate that workers were operating under a permit for mineral extraction, specifically to mine graphite. Notably, the Cerredo site had been a significant mining operation prior to its closure in 2018 and had been occasionally utilized by private firms for anthracite extraction since then.

As details surrounding the incident continue to unfold, it remains unclear exactly how many personnel were present at the mine during the explosion. In light of this devastating event, President of Asturias, Adrián Barbón, declared two days of mourning across the region to honor the victims.

Additionally, the civil protection plan for the area was activated at a preliminary level, ensuring that local resources could manage the situation effectively. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reached out to express his condolences to the victims' families, stating, "I wish a speedy recovery to those injured."