Tragedy Strikes as Explosion Claims Lives at Northern Spain Mine

An explosion at the Cerredo mine in northern Spain has left at least five dead and several injured. Emergency services responded swiftly, with rescue operations ongoing. The region is observing two days of mourning, and investigations into the circumstances of the blast are underway.

At least five individuals have lost their lives in a devastating explosion at the Cerredo mine in Degaña, Asturias, northern Spain. The incident occurred around 09:30 local time (07:30 GMT) on Monday, prompting immediate responses from emergency services. Reports indicate that the blast was linked to a "problem with a machine" at the mine, which had previously been closed in 2018 but later reopened for mineral extraction.

Four additional people sustained injuries, and while two were initially reported as missing, they were later confirmed to be safe by the afternoon. The deceased victims were all residents of León province, aged between 32 and 54. Following the explosion, injured individuals were promptly transported to local hospitals for medical attention.

The mining rescue brigade, including its canine unit, was deployed to assist in search and rescue operations. Local media reported that workers were operating under a permit to extract minerals such as graphite when the incident took place, although the exact number of personnel present at the time remains unclear.

In response to the tragedy, the President of Asturias, Adrián Barbón, declared two days of mourning across the region. The situation has seen local civil protection plans activated at a minimal level, indicating that authorities believe the emergency is localized and manageable with existing resources. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has also publicly extended his condolences to the victims' families and wished a quick recovery to those injured.