Rescue teams are in a race against time after a serious mine collapse at El Teniente, Chile's largest underground copper mine, which transpired following a recent earthquake. The state-owned Codelco company confirmed the tragic finding of one miner's body among the debris. Located approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Santiago, the mine was struck by a tremor measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale, leading to the structural failure of some underground tunnels.
As efforts to locate the remaining four miners continue, the fate of the trapped miners remains unclear. Codelco reported that the identity of the deceased miner is still pending, but families of those trapped have been informed about the developments. General manager of the El Teniente Division, Andres Music, expressed both sorrow over the victim found yet recognition of the team's search efforts, stating, "This discovery fills us with sadness, but it also tells us that we are in the right place."
Rescuers have been deploying heavy machinery to clear blocked passageways, aiming to make progress of 15-20 meters every 24 hours. The ongoing situation has sparked concerns, as the rescuers' mission is fraught with challenges due to the unstable geological conditions in the high Andes mountains region, where El Teniente operates.
As the situation unfolds, the rescue operation remains a focal point, with many anxiously awaiting updates on the well-being of the trapped miners amidst the current crisis.
