BOGOTA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Four miners were killed in a coal mine explosion in Colombia's central department of Cundinamarca, local fire authorities said Sunday.

The blast occurred Saturday afternoon at the Las Quintas mine in the municipality of Cucunuba, where four miners were working underground and trapped.

Cundinamarca fire officials confirmed Sunday morning that the bodies of the four miners had been found with no signs of life. Forensic procedures are underway to identify the victims before their bodies are handed over to their families.

"We deeply regret that another fatal accident has occurred in mining activities and express our solidarity with the families of the deceased workers," Cundinamarca Governor Jorge Emilio Rey Angel said on X.

The mine where the explosion occurred has been operating in the area for more than a decade. The region is known for its significant mineral potential and has been the site of several exploration projects.

Authorities are investigating whether the accident was caused by safety failures or external factors. ■