30 people trapped by an explosion in Colombian coal mine

At least 30 miners are reported to have been trapped by an explosion in a coal mine in north-eastern Colombia.

Yamile Rangel, mayor of the town of Sardinata, told Colombian media that eight other workers had been found, although their condition was not clear.

Reports said a build-up of gases had caused the explosion at the La Preciosa mine in Norte de Santander department near the border with Venezuela.

Last November, nine workers died at two mines in the Cundinamarca region.

Rescue teams from surrounding areas have gone to the Sardinata mine, Colombian radio reported.