The Colombian National Fire Department has announced how the Zipaquirá Volunteer Fire Department has responded to an emergency that happened on the night of 4 June 2025, following an explosion at the “El Tejadito” mine, located in the Empalizado sector.
The alert was received through the institutional emergency line, where an explosion was reported inside the sinkhole.
According to initial reports from relief agencies, the incident left three workers trapped at a depth of 180 meters.
Local authorities immediately activated response protocols, requesting assistance from the National Mining Agency (ANM). The Zipaquirá Volunteer Fire Department, the National Police, the Colombian Red Cross and the Municipal Risk Management Coordination participated in the operation.
The emergency was coordinated through the Unified Command Post (PMU), led by Lieutenant Liseth Alejandra Sánchez, commander of the Zipaquirá CBV, with the support of municipal mayor Fabián Rojas and engineer Luis Ángel Garnica, leader of the ANM technical team.
For more than 20 hours, rescue teams carried out intensive excavation, searching, detoxification of harmful gases such as methane and monitoring adverse underground conditions, but the three miners; Luis Enrique Sánchez (36), Luis Felipe Muchicón (38) and Fredy Silva (30)—were found dead.
The Zipaquirá Central Police Station assisted in the delivery of the bodies to the Judicial Investigation Section (SIJIN), complying with the corresponding judicial procedures. The PMU was officially closed after presenting the final report of the operation.
Lieutenant Liseth Sánchez said: “The operation was coordinated, effective and timely. However, when there are human losses, we also feel the pain of the families. As firefighters, we always give our best in every mission.”
The Colombian National Fire Department said in a statement: “We extend our recognition to the entire team of the Zipaquirá Volunteer Fire Department for their tireless efforts, professionalism and humanitarian commitment.
“We give special thanks to Commander Liseth Sánchez and the units that participated in the emergency: Sergeant Yesid Montoya and firefighters Raúl Forero, Ferney Alvarado, Giovanny Ballén, Paola Beltrán, Daniel Ubaque and Luis Gómez.
The Colombian National Fire Department has shared how the Zipaquirá Fire Department responded to an emergency that occurred after an explosion in a mine.
