**At Least 13 Workers Killed in Landslide at Colombian Gold Mine**
In a tragic incident at an unlicensed gold mine in southern Colombia, at least 13 workers have lost their lives due to a landslide, with an additional seven individuals reported injured. The landslide occurred on Wednesday afternoon at an artisanal mining site located near Policarpa, in the Nariño province.
Local officials have confirmed the fatalities, and witnesses recounted hearing an explosion just moments before the landslide struck, trapping workers below. The response from emergency services and local residents was swift, with diggers being deployed to assist in the recovery efforts. The bodies of the deceased were retrieved from the site, highlighting the urgent nature of the rescue operations.
Among the victims, it has been reported that four were members of the same indigenous family, underscoring the personal tragedy of the event. The area is known for its artisanal mining activities, where locals, primarily from the Quillacinga indigenous group, engage in gold extraction without official oversight. It is estimated that between 200,000 and 400,000 people participate in such mining operations across Colombia, often as a means of subsistence.
The incident is part of a broader pattern of deadly accidents associated with unlicensed mining in Colombia, where safety regulations are frequently overlooked. The lack of formal oversight in these operations contributes to the risks faced by workers, who often rely on mining as a primary source of income.
As the community mourns the loss of life, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in artisanal mining practices in the region.