Rescue effort resumes at collapsed Colombian mine

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Rescue workers aren't giving up hope of finding some 13 miners still missing after an illegal gold mine collapsed in southwest Colombia.

Eduardo Grijalba, mayor of the rural town of Santander de Quilichao where the tragedy took place Wednesday night, said the search effort went on Friday even though it is practically impossible to survive so long trapped under 20 meters of heavy debris.

The bodies of three dead miners were pulled from the ruble on Thursday.

Mining accidents are common in Colombia, especially at wildcat mines in poverty-stricken areas dominated by criminal gangs.

Less than a week ago, four people were killed inhaling noxious gases following an explosion at a mine in Antioquia province.