Discovered 'black gold mine' while digging a well in the garden
A family digging a well in their garden unexpectedly found a "gold mine" underground and the discovery forced them to evacuate.
The unusual incident happened in the Macuspana neighborhood of Belen, Tabasco state, southeastern Mexico. While digging a well in their garden, the Hernandez family accidentally saw oil, a fuel known as “black gold”, mixed with mud and water gushing from underground.
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Due to the uncontrolled and continuous oil spill, the homeowner reported the incident to the local authorities. After a preliminary assessment of the situation, Tabasco authorities decided to evacuate about 40 households living around the area where the "black gold mine" was found, citing the risk of fire and explosion and to ensure their safety.
The Civil Protection Agency and the Mexican military have also cordoned off the area while technicians from Mexico's state-owned oil company Pemex investigate the source of the oil spill. Evacuated residents are only allowed to return home to retrieve their belongings after taking precautions.
Authorities have two theories: The oil may have spewed from an old pipeline or it could be a newly discovered oil reserve in the area. They are also investigating the possibility that it could be the result of oil theft.
Tabasco Governor Adan Lopez said that records show no fuel pipelines passing through the area where the "black gold mine" was discovered. Investigators are still working to clarify the incident in order to soon announce a final conclusion on the incident.
