Seven miners lost their lives following an explosion at a coal mine in central Colombia's Cundinamarca department, local authorities confirmed on Friday.

The accident occurred on Thursday afternoon at a mining site in the municipality of Sutatausa, a region known for its coal production. According to preliminary reports, the explosion was likely triggered by an accumulation of gas inside the mine, causing a powerful underground blast.

Emergency response teams were dispatched to the site shortly after the incident was reported, launching rescue and recovery operations in challenging underground conditions.

Cundinamarca Governor Jorge Emilio Rey Ángel expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and mourned the loss of the miners in a statement shared on social media. The governor also released the names of those who died in the accident and pledged support for their relatives.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the tragedy. Governor Rey Ángel said the National Mining Agency will conduct a formal inquiry to determine the precise circumstances and causes of the explosion.

The latest incident has once again drawn attention to safety conditions within Colombia's mining sector. Mining accidents remain a recurring concern in parts of central Colombia, where some operations have faced criticism for failing to fully comply with established safety standards and regulations.

Officials said investigators will examine whether safety protocols were adequately followed and whether additional measures are needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The deadly explosion has prompted renewed calls for stricter oversight and improved safety practices across the country's mining industry as authorities work to establish accountability and protect workers in one of Colombia's most hazardous sectors. (ILKHA)