Two Colombian miners dead, three rescued

SOCOTA, Colombia, July 21 (UPI) -- Rescue teams Thursday sought two coal miners trapped and believed dead in a cave-in in central Colombia, officials said.

Three other miners were rescued in the collapse outside Socota in the Boyaca department Wednesday, RCN Radio reported.

"The probability of finding the bodies alive is minimal, but we will continue with the rescue operations," Carlos Ivan Marquez, who is directing the rescue effort, said.

The Socota Mayor William Correa said the mine, which is owned by Polish investors, is one of the safest in the region.

There have been a reported 29 mine related deaths this year alone in Colombia.