16 Killed in Mine Collapse in Venezuela

Venezuelan authorities confirmed on Friday that 16 people were killed due to the collapse of an illegal gold mine in the south of the country.

Around 200 individuals were evacuated from the area, as the search for additional possible victims continues.

The incident, which also injured 16 others, occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the Polo Loco mine in Bolivar State. 

Dozens of miners were working at the site when a landslide occurred.

Governor Angel Marcano, during a press conference on Friday, stated, "No other deaths have been reported," dismissing reports of new casualties.

He assured that search operations would continue for another month.

The Bolivar region is rich in reserves of gold, diamonds, iron, bauxite, and quartz, with mines operated by the state and others by illegal groups.

In December, at least 12 people were killed in a mine collapse in the same state.