SANTIAGO – At least three mining workers died after an underground mine collapsed on Thursday in the Atacama region in northern Chile, the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) said on Friday.
The accident occurred at the Jesus Maria mine in the commune of Copiapo in the Atacama desert region, about 800 kilometers north of the city of Santiago.
Roberto Munoz, director of Senapred of Atacama, said the collapse took place about 100 meters from the entrance to the underground mine.
Local media reported that the deceased workers were of Chilean nationality and were 64, 69 and 75 years old respectively.
It was initially reported that a structural fire inside the mine might have caused the accident. Local authorities have initiated an investigation to clarify the causes.
XINHUA
