At least 14 miners died and seven others were injured Monday when an open-pit gold mine collapsed in Colombia’s Nariño province, officials reported. The accident occurred near the remote town of Santa Barbara de Iscuande, located in a densely forested area accessible only by boat or small aircraft. The Nariño government confirmed that search efforts concluded Monday night.

Regional authorities noted that the mine was operating without government permits. In a statement, the Nariño administration emphasized the dangers associated with informal mining activities, pointing out that this is the second mine collapse in the province within three months, with a combined death toll of 27.

Luis Alfonso Escobar, governor of Nariño, expressed sorrow over the incident, highlighting that entire families were affected by the tragedy. He called the event “very sad,” underscoring the human toll of such accidents.

The area faces additional challenges beyond difficult terrain. Security concerns persist as two armed groups are active in the region, including the Jacobo Arenas Block, a faction consisting of former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) who rejected a 2016 peace agreement with the government. These groups’ presence complicates access for aid and rescue operations.

Colombia’s gold mining sector includes hundreds of small, unauthorized mines, some under the control of rebel groups, which contributes to ongoing safety and regulatory issues. The latest tragedy highlights the persistent risks in informal mining operations, which often lack proper oversight and infrastructure to protect workers.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, with officials stressing the need for greater regulation and enforcement to prevent future incidents in the region.