Methane explosion at Colombian mine kills two and leaves two miners missing

A methane explosion at a mine in rural central Colombia killed at least two miners and left two others missing on Friday, November 13, 2026. The blast occurred at a mining site in the municipality of Chita, which is located in the department of Boyacá. Security camera footage from the area captured black smoke and flames rising from the site of the explosion.

Four miners were present at the mine when the explosion occurred. The blast caused a structural collapse within the mine, which is currently hindering ongoing rescue operations. The National Mining Agency reported that search and rescue efforts continued through Saturday, November 14, 2026. While the mine was properly registered with the National Mining Agency, officials have not yet identified the specific mineral being extracted at the site during the incident.

Rescue efforts and site conditions

The municipality of Chita is situated approximately 240 kilometers north of Bogota. Following the explosion, rescuers have worked to navigate the unstable environment created by the blast. The collapse triggered by the methane explosion has created significant obstacles for the teams attempting to locate the missing workers. The National Mining Agency confirmed that the search and rescue operations remained active on Saturday.

The incident highlights the ongoing dangers present in the region. Security footage of the event showed significant flames and thick black smoke emanating from the mine entrance. These visual indicators confirm the intensity of the methane-driven blast. While the exact mineral being mined has not been specified by officials, the presence of gas led to the fatal event.

Mining safety and regional risks

Mining accidents are frequent in central Colombia because of the high density of coal and emerald mines in the area. The region contains numerous small-scale coal and emerald operations that contribute to the frequency of such industrial accidents. The National Mining Agency has previously warned that the accumulation of gas and dust in coal deposits creates hazardous conditions for workers.

The department of Boyacá remains a central hub for these mining activities. The frequency of accidents in central Colombia is linked to the various coal and emerald mines operating throughout the territory. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as the search for the two missing miners remains the primary focus for emergency responders. The complexity of the underground collapse continues to pose a challenge to the recovery efforts led by the National Mining Agency.

Glossary

• Chita — Chita is a municipality located in Zabaykalsky Krai. It is a former restricted military city situated on a main land-trading route with China.
• Boyacá — Boyacá is a department. It serves as a central hub for mining activities.
• National Mining Agency — The National Mining Agency is an organization that registers mining titles. It also monitors mining safety and reports on search and rescue efforts.