Relief workers have rescued three coal miners from a mine in the central Colombian Boyaca department, after five hours trapped underground, local media reported.
The miners became trapped when the entrance shaft collapsed at the La Diamante mine, locking the workers at a depth of 15 meters. Authorities suggest the collapse occurred due to heavy rains in the area over recent days. Mine Director Oscar Paredes denied the collapse was due to negligence on behalf of the mining company.
Relief workers of mining authority Ingeominas used a pump to extract rain water that had filled the mine then dug a 2.5m wide tunnel down to rescue the men.
The workers were pulled out of the mine at approximately 6:45PM on Monday evening. They were sent to a local hospital for observation, however they appear to be in good health.
So far in 2011, 24 miners have been killed in mining accidents.