San Jose, June 19 (SANA)Costa Rican President Laura Fernándezand members of her accompanying delegation were evacuated to a secure location on Friday after a powerful explosion was heard near the site of an inspection tour in the Crucitas de Cutris area.

Public Security Minister Gerald Campos said the blast occurred as the presidential delegation was returning from an inspection tour of areas impacted by unlawful mining activity in Crucitas de Cutris, in the San Carlos region.

Security forces immediately activated emergency protocols and moved the president, cabinet members, and lawmakers accompanying her to safety. No injuries were reported.

Campos said tactical police units, the Special Intervention Unit, and Air Surveillance Police launched a security operation and established a perimeter around the area after reports that unidentified individuals had been seen in nearby forested terrain approximately 200 metres from where the delegation was located.

Fernández later praised the response of security personnel and said the incident highlighted persistent security and environmental threats associated with illegal mining operations in the area.