An explosion at the Cerredo mine in Degana, Asturias resulted in the deaths of five workers and injuries to four others. Initial investigations suggest that the blast was caused by methane igniting. Family members of the deceased criticized mining companies, asserting that safety guarantees have diminished over time. The mine, operated by a new company aiming to change its function, has raised concerns about how safety is being managed. Government officials expressed condolences, and a period of mourning was declared to honor the victims.
As news of the blast spread, workers' families flocked to the site, which was surrounded by police and emergency services vehicles. It's scandalous. Companies used to guarantee safety, but they are doing it less and less, Jose Antonio Alvarez, a relative of one the miners who died, told regional newspaper El Comercio.
The accident occurred Monday morning at the Cerredo mine in Degana, some 450km (280 miles) northwest of Madrid, killing five people from the neighbouring Leon region ranging from the ages of 32 to 54 years old.
Adriana Lastra, a representative of the central government in Asturias, told reporters at the scene that initial indications showed the blast may have been caused by methane forming an explosive mixture in the mine, a phenomenon known as firedamp.
Local newspaper La Voz de Asturias said the mine is owned by a recently created local company called Blue Solving, which was trying to repurpose the site for the extraction of high-performance minerals for industrial use.
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