One of the longest and most high-profile court cases of recent years has concluded in León. The owners of the mine where a 2013 tragedy claimed six lives have been fully acquitted. The court’s decision came as a shock to many, especially the victims’ families, who had waited years for justice and an answer to the question: who was responsible for their loved ones’ deaths?
The legal proceedings lasted nearly three years, largely due to the prolonged absence of the judge, which only heightened tension among the victims’ families. Ultimately, the judge ruled that neither the mine’s management nor the insurance companies bear criminal responsibility for the incident. Although there had previously been warnings about worker safety risks, allegations of safety violations and negligence were not substantiated.
In 2013, an explosion at the Emilio del Valle mine in Pola de Gordón led to the deaths of six people and injuries to several of their colleagues. Just days before the tragedy, work in the dangerous tunnel had already been suspended due to excessive risk, but that did not prevent the catastrophe. After the explosion, the families of the deceased demanded accountability from management and compensation, but the court has now dropped all charges against the owners and insurance companies.
Families’ reaction and the prospects for appeal
The relatives of the victims make no secret of their disappointment and outrage. They note that after so many years of waiting and hoping for justice, the court’s decision came as a real blow. Some have already announced their intention to continue the fight and do not rule out the possibility of filing an appeal, although no final decision has been made yet.
The prosecution had insisted on actual prison terms for the accused and substantial compensation for the victims, but the court rejected these demands. The verdict runs over 500 pages, but its essence is simple: none of the defendants was found guilty of violating workers’ rights, causing death by negligence, or inflicting serious bodily harm.
A long road to the verdict
The proceedings in this case were a real ordeal for everyone involved. Families of the victims repeatedly protested outside the courthouse, expressing frustration over the lengthy proceedings and lack of clarity. The wait for a decision lasted almost three years, exacerbating the sense of injustice and despair among those affected.
Now that the court has made its ruling, the question remains: will the families seek a review of the case, or will they come to terms with the verdict? In any case, this story has become another reminder of the complexities of the judicial system and how difficult it is to secure accountability for workplace tragedies.
