Rescue workers recovered the bodies of eight more victims of the San Fernando coal mine disaster in the Antioquia department, bringing the number of confirmed deaths from the tragedy to 32.
The director of the rescue operation, John Freddy Rendon, said that it was not possible to identify four of the bodies due to their condition, caused by the massive explosion that destroyed the mine late Wednesday night, which is thought to have been caused by a build-up of methane gas.
Rendon said rescue workers hope to reach the place where a further 40 miners are believed to be trapped within the next few hours, and promised to provide the miners’ families with two hourly updates.
On Sunday Uribe met with family members of the deceased and trapped miners and pledged to provide for the families and ensure their financial well being. According to Uribe, local and national authorities have agreed to guarantee the families the full support of the government, ensuring that they continue to receive salary payments and health care benefits.
Martinez announced on Friday that the Institute for Geology and Mining (Ingeominas) would be conducting a full investigation into the suspected shortfalls in safety regulations at the San Fernando coal mine. He also said that he believes that the mine did not fulfill safety requirements.