Last Friday, a tragedy occurred at the Cangas del Narcea mine, located in the southwest of Asturias: two workers lost their lives, and another survived. Preliminary reports indicate that the incident was caused by a sudden and unexpected collapse of the roof in one of the workings. Representatives of the Asturian government reported the event, emphasizing that it was a sudden and unpredictable occurrence.
Immediately after the incident, a mine rescue team was dispatched to the site by helicopter. The mine is more than one hundred kilometers from Oviedo, in a remote area. Rescuers responded quickly, but not all of the victims could be saved.
Initial steps of the investigation
The regional authorities have announced the launch of two independent investigations: one led by the Mining Industry Service, and the other by the judicial police division of the Guardia Civil. Inspectors arrived at the site on the day of the tragedy to assess the situation firsthand and document the circumstances of the incident.
According to officials, all indications are that the collapse occurred in the extraction zone, where the seam thickness reaches three meters and the gallery extends about 70 meters. It was in this section that the collapse caught the workers by surprise.
Mine conditions and company operations
TYC Narcea, the company that owns the mine, officially holds all necessary permits and undergoes regular inspections. In recent months, the site has been inspected multiple times, with the latest inspection taking place just days before the tragedy—right at the spot where the collapse later occurred.
About 70 people work at the company. The firm holds a permit for additional exploration and extraction of up to 90,000 tons of coal, which is planned for various industrial uses, including the production of cast iron with reduced emissions. Currently, the company is processing documents to expand its mining operations.
How this accident differs from others, and the role of rescue crews
Authorities emphasize that the situation in Cangas del Narcea is different from the recent tragedy at the Cerredo mine in Degaña, where five people were killed in March this year due to a gas explosion during unauthorized mining. In this case, all operations were conducted legally, and the paperwork was in perfect order.
Special attention is given to the work of the Central Mine Rescue Brigade, which regularly joins efforts to eliminate the consequences of such incidents. Officials consider its activity crucial for mine worker safety and hope the service will continue in the future.
What’s next and what to expect
While the investigation is ongoing, experts are analyzing every detail of the incident. Final conclusions will be made after all examinations are completed and documentation is reviewed. Authorities have promised to keep the public informed and take measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
