The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has extended his condolences to King Felipe VI of Spain following a devastating mine explosion in Asturias on Monday, which has resulted in five fatalities so far.
“The President of the Republic dispatched a message to King Felipe VI expressing deep sorrow over the tragic outcome of the explosion that occurred today at the mine in Degaña, Asturias, resulting in multiple deaths and numerous injuries,” read an official statement released on the Presidential website.
In the message, the President conveyed, via the King of Spain, “on behalf of the Portuguese people and himself, heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims, also wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured.”
The death toll from the explosion that took place this morning in a mine located in the Spanish region of Asturias has, with four others severely injured.
The incident occurred inside the Cerredo coal mine, situated in the municipality of Degaña, Asturias. According to the Mine Rescue Brigade and the Judicial Police, the explosion was likely caused by a pocket of firedamp, a type of gas found in such mines that triggers powerful explosions when exposed to air.
The five casualties were all residents of the León province, adjacent to the municipality of Degaña, and ranged in age from 32 to 54 years, as reported by the Government delegation in Asturias.
The workers were engaged in tasks under a mining license pertaining to the potential use of the mineral for graphite production.
