(CNN in Spanish) — The Venezuelan army has evacuated 384 people from the Pola Loca mine, three days after a collapse that left at least 16 people dead.

Venezuela's Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) on Friday began the evacuation of the illegal Pola Loca mine located in the town of La Paragua, Bolivar state, three days after a collapse that left at least 16 dead and 16 injured. According to the organization's operational strategic leader, Domingo Hernandez Larez.

On the first day, 384 people were evacuated due to “deforestation and illegal mining,” the military commander said on his social media account.

The illegal mine collapse occurred on Tuesday, and as of Friday, the toll had reached at least 16 dead and 16 injured, according to official information.
The bodies of some victims were buried on Thursday, while rescue efforts continued, authorities said.

It should be noted that the Pula Luka mine is located in a difficult to access area. To reach the place, it is necessary to cross the La Paragua River, which can further complicate the arrival of relief teams, journalist Fritz Sanchez, an environmental specialist, told CNN on Friday.