Videos circulating online show scenes of panic in El Plateado, Cauca, following a violent explosion in a house. One person died, and others sustained serious injuries as a result of the blast.

News: Authorities are investigating whether explosive devices were being assembled in a residence that would be used in attacks against the security forces in Cauca. Explosion in El Plateado, Cauca. Photo: Private archive. NATION REPORTER May 11, 2026, 12:15 PM. Updated: May 11, 2026, 12:25 PM. A strong explosion occurred this Monday morning, May 11, in the La Hacienda area, 10 minutes from the town center, in the El Plateado district, in the municipality of Argelia, southern Cauca. Preliminary reports indicate one person was killed and two others were seriously injured. According to authorities, the incident occurred inside a modest house where, apparently, explosive devices were being assembled and would be used in attacks against the security forces and the civilian population in this area of southern Cauca. Videos showing the moments of panic experienced in the area after the explosion have been circulating on social media. Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion was caused by a malfunction during the handling of the explosives, which generated a major emergency in the La Hacienda area. It has not yet been ruled out that the injured are local residents who were affected and had nothing to do with armed groups. This area is considered strategic because it serves as a transportation corridor to the higher parts of the territory. The injured individuals have sustained severe injuries, including amputations and severe trauma caused by the blast wave. Their transfer to medical facilities has been complicated by the difficult security conditions that persist in the area. Following the incident, troops from the National Army have deployed security operations and are conducting inspections in the area to rule out the presence of more explosive materials. The 'Carlos Patiño' structure, belonging to the Farc dissidents, is present in this sector. This group has been implicated in armed actions and attacks against the security forces in the Micay canyon. [Optional: Link to related content] Photo: Stefanía León Arroyave Nation - EL TIEMPO Follow all the news from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERS Register for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed with what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWS Follow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Stay always updated with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPP Join the El Tiempo channel on WhatsApp to stay up-to-date with the most relevant news. EL TIEMPO APP Stay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL Reliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content without limits.