Rescue crews in Chile are in a race against time to save four miners trapped underground after a collapse triggered by a 4.2 magnitude earthquake two days prior. The El Teniente copper mine, located approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Santiago, has been the epicenter of rescue operations, with the tragic discovery of one body already made by state-owned company Codelco. The deceased remains need identification, while the fate of the four remaining miners remains uncertain.
Codelco officials reported that the underground tunnels of the mine suffered significant damage during the earthquake, which occurred as the miners were working deep below the surface. "This discovery fills us with sadness, but it also tells us that we are in the right place," expressed Andres Music, General Manager of the El Teniente Division. He shared how the rescue teams have focused their efforts and are using heavy machinery to work through blocked passageways, with a goal to progress approximately 15-20 meters (49-66 feet) every 24 hours.
El Teniente stands as the largest underground copper mine globally and is situated in the Andes mountain range. As rescue operations continue, the families of the miners remain anxious for further news while the Codelco teams remain resolute in their mission.
