Gold Mine Fire Killed 27 Mine Workers in Peru

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): As per media reports, at least 27 mine works have been killed in a fire that engulfed a remote gold mine in southern part of Peru. This is being considered as one of the worst mining tragedies in Peru’s recent history. The incident occurred at the mine operated by Minera Yanaquihua SAC- a small mining producer in the district of Yanaquihua, Province of Chuquibamba.

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According to authorities, the fire, which started from a short-circuit on Saturday, resulted in a huge explosion and quickly spread to one of the tunnels, trapping workers. The explosion ignited the wooden supports inside the mine. The news about the fire was revealed to the world only on Sunday, after the police completed the formalities with regards to persons who died in the incident.

The police stated that there are no reports of survivors. Also, there is no confirmation as to how many people were working in the mine when the fire broke out. Till late Sunday, 12 bodies have been recovered. Also, nearly 175 workers have been safely evacuated after the incident.

The on-site rescue and other operations are being carried out with the full support of the interior and defence ministries, the police authorities noted. As per government officials, the cause of the fire was still under investigation.