Colombia coal mine explosion kills 13

13 people have died in an explosion at an illegal coal mine in central Colombia.

Authorities believe the explosion at the mine in the town of Cucunuba was triggered by an accumulation of methane gas.

The mine had no operating permits and lacked adequate safety equipment.

An explosion at a mine in the same town caused eight deaths in 2008.

Mining accidents are frequent in Colombia, where many facilities operate illegally with poor safety protocols.