Antioquia, Colombia—Rescue teams pulled the final bodies from the wreckage of the mine shortly after midday on Friday. A massive structural failure inside the primary tunnel trapped the workers deep underground hours earlier. Authorities have now transitioned from a rescue operation to the grim task of recovery and scene investigation.

The facility specialized in mineral extraction, though questions regarding permit compliance have surfaced immediately. Company representatives claim all safety protocols were active at the time of the incident. Families of the victims arrived at the main gate as the news of the confirmed deaths circulated.

The collapse occurred in a remote section of the department, complicating the arrival of specialized equipment. Local miners joined the initial effort to dig through the rubble before professional crews could reach the site. Their efforts provided the only chance for a successful extraction during the critical first window.

Every minute that passed felt like a lifetime for those waiting outside, said a local contractor familiar with the mine site. We knew the chances of finding anyone alive after the second cave-in were slim. The mountain does not give back what it takes so easily.

State authorities have ordered an immediate suspension of all activities at the facility. Investigators from the Ministry of Mines are currently on the ground to document the failure point. The site will remain sealed until a full report is finalized by the regional government.

The incident is the latest in a series of accidents plaguing the region's mining sector. Workers in Antioquia often face high-risk conditions without consistent federal oversight or modern structural reinforcement. This disaster will likely reignite the debate over industrial regulation in the local economy.

Witnesses reported hearing a series of muffled thuds before the ground shook near the entrance. The structural failure appears to have been localized to the primary haulage shaft. Engineers are now mapping the instability to prevent any further movement of the earth.

There is no timeline for when the site might be reopened or if the company will face criminal charges. The focus remains on identifying the victims and ensuring their remains are returned to their families. The entrance to the tunnel is now boarded up as silence returns to the site.