This incident marks the deadliest mining accident the country has witnessed in over 20 years.

The local government attributed the cause of the fire to a short-circuit that occurred during the early hours of Saturday.

Disturbing images captured from both local media and social media platforms depict thick columns of smoke emanating from the mine.

The mining operation is conducted by Yanaquihua, a small-scale firm that has not yet issued a statement in response to the incident.

Giovanni Matos, a local prosecutor, confirmed the death toll of 27 individuals during an interview with a local television station on Sunday.

Peru holds a significant position as the world's leading gold producer and the second-largest copper producer.

Data from the country's ministry of energy and mines reveal that this incident marks the most lethal mining accident since the year 2000.

The distressing reality of safety concerns in Latin American mining was further emphasized in 2022 when a total of 38 fatalities were recorded in mining accidents throughout Peru.

Regrettably, the year 2002 remains the nation's deadliest year, with 73 lives lost in various mining accidents. (ILKHA)