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BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Six bodies were recovered from a flooded gold mine, and rescuers were searching for nine other people still missing, Colombian officials said Friday.
National disaster response chief Carlos Ivan Marquez said rescuers found the bodies Thursday night and Friday.
Red Cross rescue director Cesar Uruena said Friday there was little chance the missing men were still alive. About 100 rescuer workers were involved in the search operation.
Authorities said Wednesday's accident at El Tunel mine in the northwestern town of Riosucio was likely triggered by an explosion or power outage that disabled pumps used to extract water and supply oxygen to crews.
Mining officials said it was not clear if the mine was complying with safety protocols.
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