A devastating explosion in the Cerredo mine in Asturias, Spain, has claimed the lives of five miners and left four others seriously injured.

The incident, believed to be caused by a sudden release of grisú gas, occurred on the third level of the mine, which had been reopened for exploratory purposes.

The victims, aged between 32 and 54, were from León, and their deaths have left the tight-knit mining community in mourning.

Questions are being raised about the safety measures in place, with locals and former miners expressing concerns over outdated working conditions and insufficient detection systems.

The mine, once a symbol of prosperity, had been closed in 2018 but was recently granted a permit for limited operations.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and whether safety protocols were followed.

The tragedy has reignited debates about the risks of mining and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.