Chilean rescuers are diligently searching for four miners trapped in a collapsed section of the El Teniente copper mine after a recent earthquake, which led to one confirmed fatality.
Ongoing Rescue Operation in Chile After Mine Collapse Claims One Life
Ongoing Rescue Operation in Chile After Mine Collapse Claims One Life
Four miners remain trapped following a collapse at El Teniente copper mine due to an earthquake, as rescue efforts continue.
Rescue teams in Chile are racing against time to locate four miners trapped underground following a collapse at the El Teniente copper mine, which occurred as a result of a 4.2 magnitude earthquake. Two days after the incident, the state-owned mining company Codelco confirmed that human remains had been discovered in the mine, approximately 70 km (43 miles) southeast of Santiago. The identity of the deceased miner is pending confirmation, and family members of the remaining trapped miners have been notified.
The earthquake, which struck on Thursday, triggered a collapse in the mine's underground tunnels while the miners were on duty deep below the surface. Codelco reported that the search for the missing workers continues, despite the tragic findings. “This discovery fills us with sadness, but it confirms we are in the right location to proceed with our rescue efforts,” stated Andres Music, the general manager of the El Teniente Division.
Rescue operations have involved heavy machinery aimed at clearing debris and opening blocked tunnels, with progress estimated at a pace of 15-20 meters (49-66 feet) every 24 hours. El Teniente is known as the world’s largest underground copper mine and is situated high in the Andes of central Chile. As hope persists for finding the remaining miners, the national and international community is closely monitoring rescue efforts.
