Mining disaster in Venezuela: 30 people dead
According to initial reports, 30 people have died and more than 100 remain trapped underground following the collapse of an illegal gold mine in Venezuela's Bolivar state.
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Authorities reported that a collapse occurred at an illegally operated gold mine in the town of Angostura, located in the state.
Stating that 30 people have lost their lives so far in the incident, officials also noted that more than 100 people remain trapped.
RESCUE TEAMS DISPATCHED TO THE REGION
Edgar Colina Reyes, Secretary of Citizen Security for Bolivar state, announced in a statement to the press that an independent commission has been dispatched to the area and a comprehensive investigation into the incident has been launched.
Search and rescue teams were sent to the town by helicopter. Reports in the Venezuelan press stated that the collapse was caused by a landslide and that the exact number of people remaining under the soil is unknown.
Bolivar state, located on the border with Brazil, is known for its rich reserves of gold, diamonds, iron, bauxite, and coltan.