Explosion in Spanish mine kills at least five, injures several others

MADRID -- At least five people were confirmed dead and several others injured following an explosion in a mine in the Spanish region of Asturias on Monday morning.

Spanish Civil Guards said the incident happened at approximately 9:40 local time (0840 GMT) when a machine exploded at the Cerredo mine near Degana town.

The blast took place on the third level of the mine, causing burns and trauma injuries, according to the Spanish government delegate in the region. Three of the injured have been transferred to a hospital in the city of Leon.

Emergency services, including Civil Guard officers, firefighters, and members of the mine rescue team have been deployed to the site, the regional government of Asturias confirmed.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered his condolences to the families of the victims in a post on social media.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion is currently underway.