Several miners trapped by mine collapse in northern Mexico

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Several miners were trapped this Friday by the collapse of a mine in the northern Mexican state of Coahuila, confirmed the authorities, who still do not specify the exact number. At the same time, some local media speak of seven people trapped.

“The Ministry of Labor of Coahuila received a report of an accident in a drag mine in this municipality today around 12.50 hours local time (17.50 GMT),” said the agency in a statement.

According to preliminary investigations, there are indications that the accident was caused by an overflow and flooding in the mine.

The mine is flooded, and the miners are in the tunnels as they were working when the overflow occurred.

Although some media reports indicate that seven miners were trapped, authorities did not specify the number of people in the mine.

Civil Protection authorities and inspectors from the Ministry of Labor arrived at the site to carry out the rescue work.

In coordination with the federal authorities, the Ministry of Labor committed to carrying out all “the necessary procedures”.

As can be seen in images shared on social networks, the authorities’ actions have already begun, and some family members are in the area.

Civil Protection introduced pumps to remove the water, but they did not work.

With the pumps, they seek to clear the area so that rescuers can access and begin their work.

In addition, several people approached the area to offer their help.

The accident brought to mind what happened on February 19, 2006, at the Pasta de Conchos mine, in Coahuila, where 65 workers died in an accident, and only two bodies were recovered.

The rest were buried after their rescue was considered high risk, and to date, the bodies have not been recovered.