Rescuers Intensify Search for Trapped Miners After Fatal Collapse in Chile

Rescue operations are ongoing in Chile as teams work to locate four miners trapped in El Teniente after an earthquake-triggered collapse, with one body already recovered.

Rescue efforts are underway in Chile as miners are trapped in the El Teniente copper mine following a fatal collapse caused by an earthquake two days ago. The first fatality has been confirmed, with human remains discovered at the site, approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Santiago. The state-owned Codelco company announced that while one individual has perished, the status of the other four miners remains uncertain.

The mining incident occurred after a 4.2 magnitude tremor struck the region on Thursday, triggering the collapse of underground tunnels as the miners worked below the surface. Codelco confirmed the identification process for the recovered remains is ongoing, but families of the missing individuals have been notified of the situation.

Andres Music, the general manager of the El Teniente Division, expressed his sorrow over the tragic discovery, emphasizing that it signifies the search is being conducted in the correct area. Rescue teams have mobilized heavy machinery to clear obstructed passageways, with hopes of progressing at a rate of 15-20 meters (49-66 feet) per day to reach the trapped miners.

El Teniente is known as the world's largest underground copper mine and is situated high in the Andes mountains of central Chile, posing unique challenges for rescue operations. The effort to find the remaining missing miners continues, as the nation holds its breath for any updates on their fate.