An explosion at an artisanal mining site in the Indio Maíz Reserve, located in the municipality of El Castillo in Río San Juan Department, Nicaragua, left three workers injured on Sunday around midday.

The blast reportedly occurred when equipment being used at the site exploded, causing the men to suffer burn injuries. Fellow workers provided initial assistance before the injured were transported for medical treatment.

The three victims, identified as Ervin Antonio Gómez, Abel Rivas Rocha, and Elias Hammer Hollmes, sustained varying degrees of burns and were taken to the Boca de Sábalo Health Center for further care and observation.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and whether proper safety measures were in place. The incident underscores the risks associated with artisanal mining operations in remote areas.