Thirteen people died and seven others suffered injuries after a landslide hit an illegal gold mine in southwestern Colombia.

The incident happened on Wednesday night in the Nariño department. Workers were carrying out mining activities when part of a slope collapsed.

Nariño government secretary Fredy Gámez said the collapse buried people at the site.

“Due to the activity taking place in the mine, a slope collapsed onto the people,” Gámez told Caracol Radio.

Rescue teams responded to the scene. However, unstable ground has made their work more difficult. Emergency workers must take extra care because more of the earth could collapse.

Images shared on social media showed heavy equipment operating on steep land near the mine. The conditions have added to the challenges facing rescue teams.

A government source told AFP that an explosion inside the mine may have triggered the landslide. Authorities have not shared further details about the explosion.

Officials have also not said whether anyone remains trapped at the site. Rescue teams continue to assess the area as they work in dangerous conditions.

Mining accidents occur regularly in Colombia. The risk is often higher at illegal and unregulated mining sites. These operations may lack proper safety measures and official oversight.

Workers at mines can face several dangers. Gas can build up underground and cause explosions. Weak tunnels and unstable slopes can also collapse without warning.

Authorities said the mine involved in Wednesday’s incident was operating illegally. The dangerous terrain continues to create problems for the rescue effort.

Officials have not released the names of the 13 people who died. They also have not provided details about the seven people who suffered injuries.

The latest incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers of illegal mining in Colombia. Workers at these sites can face unsafe conditions and serious risks.

Authorities continue to respond to the disaster and monitor conditions at the mine. Rescue teams are working carefully as they try to manage the unstable ground.

Investigators will also seek to determine what caused the explosion and the landslide. Officials may release more information as their investigation continues.

The deadly incident has left communities in the area dealing with another mining tragedy. For now, rescue workers remain focused on keeping the site safe and completing their work without further loss of life.