Editorial: El País

• Five workers died and four others were severely injured in Degaña, Asturias, due to a mine explosion.
• Initial hypotheses suggest a firedamp explosion, an inflammable gas that has been the miners’ historical enemy.
• The mining company had two licenses to work in the mine but not for coal extraction.
• Occupational safety and prevention must be priority in risk sectors, like mining.
• This explosion recalls that workers are still dying on the job. In 2023, about 800 workers died, 10.4% more than the previous year.

Conclusion: Mining accidents are still a sad reality. Consistent efforts are required to guarantee effective safety and prevention protocols for the welfare of the workers and the society as a whole.

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