A fire at a gold mine in southern Peru has taken 27 lives, and an investigation has commenced into the cause.
According to the Associated Press, Peruvian authorities reported the workers were underground at the Yanaquihua operation early morning on 6 May when the incident occurred. The mining company told the news service that 175 workers had been safely evacuated, and the 27 killed workers for a mining contractor.
While the cause of the fire is now being investigated by government officials, various new reports said preliminary investigations indicated an explosion may have been started by a short circuit in a part of the mine about 330 feet below the surface.
The Public Ministry of Arequipa’s Fiscal District told the AP its investigators were working to clarify events.
“During the investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office will determine the cause of the tragic event and the responsibilities of those involved,” it said.
Source: AP