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Absoution of the accused for the tragic accident at the Pozo Emilio del Valle that cost the lives of six miners in 2013
The families of the victims express their disappointment and call for justice after the sentence that exonerates the responsible parties for the disaster
Publicado: 18 de noviembre de 2025, 21:11
The Court of First Instance Number 2 of León has issued a ruling acquitting the 16 accused of the tragic accident that cost the lives of six miners at the Pozo Emilio del Valle in October 2013. This accident, one of the deadliest in Spanish mining history, occurred during a gas escape that took workers by surprise at a depth of 694 meters, resulting in the deaths of Antonio Blanco, Carlos Pérez, Roberto Álvarez, Orlando González, José Luis Arias, and Manuel Moure.
The magistrate did not find the evidence presented sufficient to prosecute those responsible, including executives of Hullera Vasco Leonesa and insurance companies, despite allegations of irregularities in working conditions and lack of adequate safety measures in the mining operation. The news has generated profound upset among the families of the victims, who have dubbed the decision 'denigrating' and 'incomprehensible.' These families have been fighting for justice for years, and the ruling has raised questions regarding the companies' responsibilities and labor rights protections for miners.
The families have expressed their intention to appeal the decision, feeling that their pursuit of justice is far from fulfilled. The situation raises critical reflections on labor conditions in mining and the need for effective accountability in incidents threatening workers' lives.
The magistrate did not find the evidence presented sufficient to prosecute those responsible, including executives of Hullera Vasco Leonesa and insurance companies, despite allegations of irregularities in working conditions and lack of adequate safety measures in the mining operation. The news has generated profound upset among the families of the victims, who have dubbed the decision 'denigrating' and 'incomprehensible.' These families have been fighting for justice for years, and the ruling has raised questions regarding the companies' responsibilities and labor rights protections for miners.
The families have expressed their intention to appeal the decision, feeling that their pursuit of justice is far from fulfilled. The situation raises critical reflections on labor conditions in mining and the need for effective accountability in incidents threatening workers' lives.