Thirteen people were killed and seven others were injured in a landslide at an illegal gold mine in southwestern Colombia, AFP reported on the 20th (local time).

According to government officials, the landslide that occurred on the night of the 19th is believed to have been triggered by an explosion inside the mine.

An official from the government of Nariño Department explained, "The slope collapsed due to operations inside the mine, engulfing the workers at the site."

Fire authorities are facing difficulties in rescue and search operations due to unstable ground conditions at the site.

In Colombia, major accidents such as toxic gas leaks and explosions continue to occur, particularly in illegal mines lacking safety management.

Just about a week ago on the 14th, an explosion at a mine in Cundinamarca Department in central Colombia killed six people, and in May, two separate mining accidents claimed a total of 13 lives.

(Photo: Yonhap News)