At least 14 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured in the collapse of an illegally operated open-pit gold mine in central Venezuela, state authorities reported on Wednesday. The incident occurred in the Angostura municipality at a mine known as Bulla Loca, where a wall collapsed, trapping miners beneath the rubble.
Bolivar state Gov. Angel Marcano confirmed the death toll and stated that rescue efforts are ongoing, with at least 11 individuals known to be injured. The collapse has sparked urgent demands from relatives of the victims for swift rescue operations.
“We are here waiting, please, for the government to support us with helicopters, planes, anything,” said a relative of a victim. She added, “There are quite a few dead, there are people wounded. Why don’t they give us support? Where are they?”
If believing on media reports, as many as 200 people were reportedly working at the open-pit mine at the time when it was collapsed.
The harsh conditions
Meanwhile the locals have been pleading for government assistance in the form of helicopters or planes to aid in rescue and recovery efforts. Significantly, their demand came in view of the remote location of the mine, which can only be accessed via an hours-long boat ride.
It is pertinent to note that the collapse underscores the dangers faced by miners in Venezuela’s burgeoning mining industry, which has seen a proliferation of operations outside legal boundaries. While providing economic opportunities, these operations often subject workers to perilous conditions, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures and regulatory oversight.
