Rescuers Lift 7 Miners from Collapsed Gypsum Mine in E China

Rescuers have pulled out seven more miners from a collapsed gypsum mine by Saturday morning in Pingyi County, east China’s Shandong Province, after hours of efforts.

Authorities have so far rescued 11 miners since the mine collapsed at 07:56 on Friday, and are racing against time to rescue the other 18 miners still trapped.

The rescuers have also confirmed that the miners are trapped in three areas of the collapsed tunnel.

"The lift car at tunnel number 4 was out of shape. What I can tell is that the rescue team managed to send a camera underground. We can see from the recorded footage that three people are walking around, and the 11 people trapped there are not in danger," said Liu Jinhui, head of the rescue team.

Besides the 11 miners in that tunnel, rescuers have also acquired the approximate position of and made contact with the remaining seven trapped miners near the tunnel early on Saturday.

"We have confirmed the location of the seven miners. The rescue plan for them is being made," said Liu.

Liu added that it is difficult and dangerous to reach the trapped miners as the tunnel was blocked and a secondary collapse is likely to happen.

The rescued miners suffered various degrees of trauma or fractures, but all are in stable health conditions, said doctors.

The 42-year-old Zhao Zhian was injured the worst with fractures on both his legs.

In response to the incident, the Pingyi County People’s Hospital has launched emergency measures and organized experienced doctors to treat the injured miners.