AT least five people have been killed following an explosion at a coal mine in Asturias.
The blast struck at around 9.30am and was caused by a concentration of methane or ‘firedamp’, which causes powerful explosions when exposed to air.
The men who died were aged between 32 and 54 and were all locals from the towns of Laciana and El Bierzo in Leon, reports the Efe news agency.
Local authorities have declared two days of mourning as preparations for their funerals get underway.
The blast took place several metres below ground, on the third level of underground mine.
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In the wake of the incident, the two trade unions called a 48-hour strike in the mining sector, which started on Monday.
They said in a statement: ‘We extend our full support and solidarity to the families of the victims and the injured, whom we hope will have a speedy recovery. This is the time for us to be by their side.’
Meanwhile, during a visit to the site, Spain’s Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz vowed ‘the full force of the law will fall on those responsible’ for the explosion.
She added: ‘In the 21st century, no one can die like this. No one can get sick, nor can anyone in a mine suffer what happened.
‘It is not the responsibility of the Labour Ministry, but I am telling our country that the full force of the law will fall on those responsible.’
She said the government will have to wait for the outcome of the investigation before deciding what action to take.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez earlier issued a statement on X in which he offered his condolences to the relatives of the deceased.
He wrote: ‘My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the mine accident in Degaña, Asturias.
‘And I wish a speedy recovery to those injured. Thanks to the emergency services working on the rescue efforts.’
