A fire at a gold-mining site in Peru has killed 27 people, the worst mining accident to hit the country in decades.
On Saturday, photos posted on social media showed dark smoke plumes pouring from the mine.
A short circuit was said to have started the fire early Saturday morning in Arequipa’s southern region.
Yanaquihua is a small firm that operates the mine. The company didn’t immediately respond to our request for a comment.
Local prosecutor Giovanni Matos said on local television that the Yanaquihua Police Station confirmed 27 deaths.
Arequipa’s government reported that it had been informed by the mine owner himself that he went to seek help when the fire broke out.
The local government said that medical professionals were on the scene by midday local to treat the injured, including three rescue workers.
Peru is the second largest copper and gold producer in the world.
According to the Ministry of Mines in Peru, this is the deadliest mine accident since 2000.
Energy and Mines
Safety concerns in Latin America are highlighted by the 38 deaths in 2022 in mining accidents across the country.
mining.
In 2002, 73 miners died in various mining accidents in Peru.
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