Rescuers started to drill the second life hole late Sunday at the collapsed mine in east China’s Shandong Province to send food, water and communication tools to the miners trapped underground.
The first 20-centimeter-wide hole was drilled through by Sunday noon to reach the 220-meter-deep location where 14 miners are trapped after the accident on Friday.
At the same time, rescuers are continuing digging a hole at a separate location to reach the remaining three trapped miners.
A total of four life holes are expected to be drilled at the same location, according to the rescue headquarters. Once the drills are through, the rescuers can get contact with the trapped miners, locate their positions, and send food, water and other life necessities to them, getting ready for further rescue operations.
The second life hole was still under drilling by 08:00 Monday.
The gypsum mine collapsed at 07:56 when 29 people were working underground. One died, four made their way to safety, and another seven were rescued. A total of 17 workers are still trapped underground.
The owner of the mine committed suicide early Sunday morning.
The government of Shandong Province has ordered gypsum mines to suspend operations for safety checks on Sunday.