The blast was initially reported due to a "problem with a machine," leading to ambulances, fire, and rescue teams rushing to the site. Among those affected were four injured workers, while two individuals were reported missing but were later found safe. All five deceased victims, ranging in age from 32 to 54, were local residents from the nearby province of León.
Local media stated that the mine had been previously closed in 2018 and had recently resumed operations under a permit designed for graphite extraction. Rescue operations included the deployment of canine units to assist in the search for anyone possibly trapped.
Asturias' President Adrián Barbón declared two days of mourning in memory of those lost. The governmental response included activating the region's civil protection plan at a controlled level, while Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences and best wishes for the recovery of those injured through social media.
Local media stated that the mine had been previously closed in 2018 and had recently resumed operations under a permit designed for graphite extraction. Rescue operations included the deployment of canine units to assist in the search for anyone possibly trapped.
Asturias' President Adrián Barbón declared two days of mourning in memory of those lost. The governmental response included activating the region's civil protection plan at a controlled level, while Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences and best wishes for the recovery of those injured through social media.
