Miners trapped and feared dead, after explosion

An explosion tore through a coal mine in remote north-east Colombia today, burying at least 31 miners in tunnels filled with toxic gases, a rescue official said.

Fernando Rosales, director of civil defence in Norte de Santander state, said emergency crews have not yet been able to enter the mine. He said hopes of finding the miners alive was “discouraging” because of the extensive damage and the trapped gases.