Hydrologists and geologists nationwide have been gathering in east China’s Shandong Province to direct rescue plans to find the quickest possible way to save 17 trapped miners inside a collapsed gypsum mine.
A total of 29 people were working underground when the mine collapsed at 07:56 last Friday in Pingyi County. Eleven were rescued on Saturday while one died.
According to authorities, the 17 trapped are located at two sections: three in a quarry work area, and the other 14 in an area close to the life hole that the rescuers are drilling.
In order to send food, water and communications equipment to the trapped miners, the rescuers have been drilling four life holes. At present, the first life hole has been dug 239 meters, with a 107-meter distance to three trapped miners. The second life hole has been dug for 88 meters, with a 382-meter distance to the other 14 trapped miners.
Meanwhile, the mine collapsed again in the morning, leading to more water accumulating in tunnel. The rescue team used metal posts and wooden pillars to support the tunnel, established two water level monitoring sites, and tried their best to drain the water.
“We sent lights, wrote a letter and delivered some sausages to them,” said a rescuer at the site.
The rescuer added that they also sent a letter down to the trapped miners.
“We told them that we are trying to rescue them and asked about their conditions,” he said.
Although the life holes have been opened, it’s still difficult to send materials downwards.
“The pipes are narrow and there are connections between pipes, so it’s easy to get stuck,” said the rescuer.
Source: CCTV
