A landslide at an open-pit mine in southwestern Colombia has killed 13 workers and injured seven others, authorities said.

The incident occurred in Policarpa, in Colombia’s Nariño department, after part of the mine slope suddenly collapsed, trapping workers beneath the debris.

Officials said the incident was caused by a landslide, rather than an explosion as initially reported.

Firefighters, residents and excavators joined emergency teams in the rescue operation as they searched for workers who remained unaccounted for after the collapse.

The operation continued through the night and ended at around 2 am , after rescuers found all the workers who had been reported missing.

Seven workers were injured in the incident and taken to hospitals for treatment, while authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

(Arise News)