16 are dead, 72 trapped in Colombian coal mine explosion, President Alvaro Uribe says

16 dead, 72 trapped in Colombian coal mine

BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia’s president says the death toll from an explosion at a coal mine has risen to 16 people, with dozens of miners still trapped.

President Alvaro Uribe says initial indications are that an accumulation of methane gas caused the blast in the San Fernando mine in his home province of Antioquia, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of the capital of Bogota.

Officials say the explosion Wednesday night caused the collapse of an access tunnel that is 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) long and drops to a depth of 500 feet (150 meters).

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombia’s president says an explosion at a coal mine has killed at least eight people and trapped 72.

President Alvaro Uribe says initial indications are that an accumulation of methane gas caused the blast in the San Fernando mine in his home province of Antioquia.

Officials say the explosion Wednesday night caused the collapse of an access tunnel that is 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) long and drops to a depth of 500 feet (150 meters).