Experts: 15 more days to reach trapped mine workers in China
It will take at least 15 more days to get through a massive amount of debris and reach miners already trapped for 11 days since an explosion in a gold mine in eastern China on Jan. 10, authorities said Thursday. The mine shaft is blocked 1,000 feet below the surface by 70 tons of debris that extends down another 330 feet, the Yantai city government said in a statement on its social media account.
One worker has died from head injuries in the explosion, state media said earlier Thursday. Of the remaining 21, rescuers have established contact with 10, one is reportedly alive in a nearby chamber, and the status of the other 10 is unknown. The deceased worker had been in a coma. Two others are said to be in poor health. Rescuers have delivered food, medicine and other supplies to the group of 11 as they work to remove debris and improve ventilation.