Colombian authorities say a coal mine collapse has trapped 12 men and they say rescue will be difficult.
The country's mining and energy ministry says the collapse occurred at about 4 pm yesterday with a sudden burst of water into the mine in the northwestern state of Antioquia.
It says officials are trying to pump out contaminated air pervading the tunnels.
The agency says in a statement issued today that a specialized mine rescue team as well as other searchers are working at the scene.
Antioquia Gov Sergio Fajardo says it is likely to take three days to reach the men in a "very complicated" rescue operation.
Another mining accident in the same region in June 2010 killed more than 60 miners.
