According to Peruvian authorities, a tragic incident occurred in a gold mine located in southern Peru, resulting in a fire that claimed the lives of at least 27 workers during an overnight shift.

The Yanaquihua mining company released a statement stating that a total of 175 workers were successfully evacuated following the accident, which occurred late on Friday or early Saturday.

The unfortunate fatalities were employees of a specialized mining contractor, the Associated Press has reported.

The cause of the incident is currently under investigation, as confirmed by government officials.

Initial reports suggest that a potential explosion might have been triggered by a short circuit in a section of the mine approximately 100 meters (330 feet) below the surface.

To provide support and information, buses were arranged to transport relatives of the victims to the Yanaquihua mine in the Arequipa region.

Upon arrival, they were briefed by security agents, while some gathered near the mine’s entrance, where posters were displayed, anxiously waiting for the retrieval of their loved ones’ remains.

Written by staff