- Death toll from a coal mine explosion in northern Colombia has risen to seven.
- A buildup of gases apparently led to a fire.
- Nearly 90 percent of the mine collapsed.
The death toll from a coal mine explosion in northern Colombia has grown to seven, with eight people still missing, according to the National Mining Agency (ANM).
The toll was up from the three dead reported earlier in the accident Monday.
Some 70 rescuers were continuing a desperate search for victims, while anguished families waited nearby for news.
Officials said a buildup of gases apparently led to a fire, explosion and then the collapse of nearly 90 percent of the mine in the town of El Zulia, near the border with Venezuela.
Read more: Three bodies pulled out of collapsed Colombian mine
The gases initially prevented rescuers from approaching the area.
The mine, unlike many in the region that work outside the law, operated with state permits.
Last year, Colombia recorded 148 deaths in mining accidents.
Along with oil, one of the country’s principal exports is mined raw materials.
Read more: Colombia landslide kills 11 locals
