In a tragic incident in Spain’s northern Asturias region, a mine accident claimed the lives of at least five individuals on Monday morning and left four others injured. The regional emergency services authority confirmed the fatalities and reported that the injured were swiftly transported to hospitals for treatment; two of the injured were airlifted by helicopter, while the other two reached medical facilities by ambulance. Fortunately, two more workers who were present during the accident emerged unscathed, and by late afternoon, authorities confirmed that no workers remained unaccounted for.
The deceased were identified as being between 32 and 54 years of age and hailed from the neighboring Leon region. To aid the rescue efforts in the Degaña municipality, three helicopters and two ambulances were mobilized by the emergency services authority.
Reports from local media suggested that the cause of the accident was an explosion in the coal mine, though specifics were not immediately clear.
In response to the tragic event, Adrián Barbón, the regional leader of Asturias, announced a period of two days of mourning to honor the victims. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, echoing the sentiments of grief and solidarity shared throughout the country.