Investigation into fatal Súria mine accident closed
A judge has decided to shelve the investigation into the tragic accident that occurred in a mine in Súria, in the province of Barcelona. The event took place in March 2023 and caused the deaths of three young geologists who were working at the site. After analyzing the evidence, the court has determined that there was no criminal negligence in the incident.
According to the judicial ruling, the rockfall that caused the tragedy was a "sudden and unpredictable" event. The judge considers that the accident could not have been avoided, as the safety measures of the company Iberpotash, which manages the potash mine, complied with the regulations in force at the time of the event.
The company Iberpotash has already financially compensated the families of the three deceased. This agreement has been a relevant factor in the process, although the main investigation focused on discovering whether there was any criminal liability on the part of the managers or the technicians responsible for safety in the mine.
The accident occurred at a depth of about 800 meters underground. The three geologists were performing routine inspection tasks when a part of the gallery roof collapsed on them. The case caused great shock in the mining sector and the local community due to the youth of the victims and the dangerous nature of the work.
With the dismissal of the case, the criminal proceedings for this case in the courts are closed. Although the judicial investigation has ended, the accident continues to be remembered as one of the most serious in the recent history of mining in Catalonia. Authorities have recalled the importance of continuing to review safety protocols in these high-risk environments.