BOGOTA (Reuters) – Relatives of Colombian miners trapped in a coal mine began to lose hope of finding them alive yesterday, three days after a blast buried 50 workers and killed at least 19 others.
Rescuers struggled with debris and gas after the explosion in northwestern Antioquia province late on Wednesday. Emergency workers tried to reach deep into the mine but said there was little chance of finding any miners alive 6,500 feet (2,000 metres) below the surface.
“The last thing you lose is hope, but we have no certainty or evidence that there are people alive down there,” said Alfredo Munoz, head of emergency services in Antioquia. “Rescue operations continue, but the gas buildup is slowing efforts.”
