Collapse of illegal open pit gold mine in Venezuelan jungle leaves multiple people dead

At least 16 people died when an illegal gold mine collapsed in the jungles of southern Venezuela, officials said Wednesday, revising down an earlier figure.

The incident happened Tuesday at the "Bulla loca" mine in the state of Bolivar, a seven-hour boat ride from the nearest town, La Paragua, where family members waited anxiously for news.

Officials gave conflicting accounts of the number of dead.