At least five people have died in an explosion at a mine in northern Spain, officials say. The blast happened at the Cerredo mine in Degaña, Asturias, approximately 450km (278 miles) north-west of Madrid around 09:30 (07:30 GMT) on Monday, March 31, 2025. Emergency services reported that they were called about a "problem with a machine" at the mine. In addition to the fatalities, at least four other individuals suffered injuries, with two of them seriously hurt.
Initial reports indicated that two workers were missing; however, by early afternoon, officials confirmed that everyone had been accounted for. The five victims, all residents of Spain's north-western province of León, were aged between 32 and 54 years old, according to the Spanish government's delegation in Asturias.
The injured workers were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Two of the injured were taken to Ponferrada, a city in the neighboring autonomous region of Castilla y León, to receive care for burns, while another was treated for a head injury in Cangas del Narcea, within Asturias. Fortunately, two other individuals who were at the site were uninjured.
The mining rescue brigade deployed its canine unit to assist in the recovery efforts, underscoring the seriousness of the incident. Reports from local media, citing an Asturian spokesperson, revealed that workers had been at the mine under a permit to extract minerals for graphite production. The site had previously been a major coal mine but was closed in 2018. Since then, it has been intermittently used by private companies to extract anthracite.
President of Asturias, Adrián Barbón, has declared two days of mourning in the region to honor the victims of this tragic event. Furthermore, the region's civil protection plan was activated at its lowest level, indicating that the situation is localized and manageable with available resources.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, stating, "My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the mine accident in Degaña, Asturias. And I wish a speedy recovery to those injured. Thanks to the emergency services working on the rescue efforts." He also thanked first responders for their quick action during the crisis.
This incident has raised concerns over safety protocols in mining operations, particularly in regions with a history of mining activities. The Cerredo mine, despite its closure, highlights the ongoing risks associated with mining, especially concerning older sites that may not meet current safety standards.
Local authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the mining industry, particularly in light of recent accidents that have raised alarms about worker safety.
As the community grapples with the loss of life, support systems are being mobilized to assist the families affected by this tragedy. The emotional toll on the families of the deceased and the injured is profound, and local support services are stepping in to provide counseling and assistance to those in need.
This explosion marks another dark chapter in the history of mining accidents in Spain, where safety has often been a contentious issue. As the investigation unfolds, many will be looking for answers and accountability to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
In the wake of this disaster, there is a collective hope that lessons will be learned, and that future mining operations will prioritize the safety and well-being of workers above all else. The community of Degaña, along with the entire region of Asturias, will continue to mourn the loss of five lives while pushing for changes that will ensure safer working conditions in the mining industry.
