The blast at the Los Cedros mine in the El Zulia municipality of the Norte de Santander department was caused by the accumulation of gases in the pit.

Three engineers and two mechanics from the Agency together with a mine rescue team of 12 people worked around the clock since Friday to release the accumulated gasses and drain a water well. This allowed them to retrieve the bodies.

According to the mining body, the underground operation was not fully licensed. Thus, the National Prosecutor’s Office will start an investigation.