Chile: Two Dead, Miners Trapped After Mine Collapse

Two people have died and four are trapped following a collapse in a copper mine in El Teniente, Chile. The accident occurred after a 4.3 magnitude earthquake, according to the National Seismological Center of the University of Chile.

The state mining company Codelco, which operates the mine, reported that nine people were also injured. Rescuers are trying to reach the trapped miners, with at least 100 people involved in the search. The tunnels have collapsed, making the rescue operation particularly difficult.

The mine's general manager, Andrés Music, said that communication with those trapped has not been possible. Rescue teams are using heavy machinery to open the blocked tunnels, aiming to advance 15-20 meters per 24 hours.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric visited the families of the missing miners and promised the completion of the search and rescue operation. The Chilean prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the causes of the collapse.

El Teniente is the largest copper deposit in the world. Chile is the largest copper producing country worldwide.