Summary
At least 14 people died after heavy rains caused a gold mine to collapse in Venezuela. Recovery teams are working to pump out water from the shafts before starting rescue efforts. Mining in Venezuela is often unsafe due to poor regulation and working conditions.
Key Facts
- Heavy rainfall led to a gold mine collapse in El Callao, Venezuela, killing at least 14 people.
- The collapse happened in the Cuatro Esquinas de Caratal mine, with bodies found in three different shafts.
- Two miners escaped from one of the shafts unharmed.
- A command post was set up to coordinate rescue operations in El Callao.
- The first step in recovery is to reduce water levels in the mine shafts.
- Venezuela's mining industry lacks regulation and has reports of unsafe conditions.
- El Callao has been a gold-mining hub since 1853.
- The UN has previously reported human rights abuses in Venezuela's mining sector.
