27 workers dead in Peru's worst mining tragedy in recent history
Yanaquihua (Peru), May 08: A tragic incident occurred at the La Esperanza 1 gold mine in Yanaquihua, a remote area of southern Peru, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 workers. It is considered one of the worst mining tragedies in Peru's recent history.
Grief-stricken relatives gathered near the mine, hoping to receive news of their loved ones. Local media reported that the blaze started after an explosion in the mine's tunnel, caused by a short circuit that ignited the wooden supports. The victims were 100 meters below the ground, and there have been no reports of survivors.
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The police and public prosecutor's office confirmed that the fire was caused by a short circuit, and the victims all died inside the mine. Rescue teams were working to secure the mine before recovering the victims' bodies, and there were no reports on the total number of people who were inside the mine at the time of the incident.
Mining is a significant contributor to Peru's economy, accounting for over eight percent of its GDP. The country is the largest gold producer and the world's second-largest producer of silver, copper, and zinc. Last year, 39 people died in mining-related incidents, according to the mining and energy ministry. The incident at La Esperanza 1 mine is one of many recent mining accidents in the country. In 2020, four workers died in a mine collapse in Arequipa.
The mine is operated by Minera Yanaquihua, a legal enterprise that has been operating mines in Peru for 23 years. However, there are many illegal mines in the region. The presidency tweeted that the interior and defense ministries were working on the recovery and transport of the bodies. The mayor of Yanaquihua stated that most of the miners would have died of asphyxiation and burns.
In summary, the La Esperanza 1 mine fire tragedy has caused significant loss of life in a remote area of southern Peru. The incident highlights the dangerous conditions of mining work in the region and emphasizes the need for greater safety measures and regulation to protect miners.
- With inputs from agencies
