The mine collapse was caused by a dam breach on March 25th, according to multiple reports. Twenty-five workers were inside the mine at the time of the collapse, with twenty-one miners escaping immediately after the event, as reported by major media. One miner has been found dead, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed, though the identity and condition of the deceased miner have not been disclosed. Another miner, José Alejandro Cástulo Colín, was rescued alive five days after the collapse. According to Daily Mirror - Main, José Alejandro Cástulo Colín described feeling resigned during his ordeal, saying he accepted whatever might happen. The cause of the dam breach, including structural failure details, remains unclear, and the identity and current status of the missing miner are unknown.
Rescuers located Zapata on Tuesday but could not extract him immediately due to flooding, multiple reports indicate. He was rescued 20-21 hours after being located, on Wednesday morning. During the operation, rescuers used drills and pumps to lower water levels. According to BBC News - World, rescuers described how they communicated with Zapata, asking how he was doing. Aftonbladet reports that Zapata was found by divers who spotted the blinking of his torch light, and according to BBC News - World, rescuers described how his torchlight aided their efforts. Divers left Zapata with water, cans of tuna, and energy bars before returning to extract him, Aftonbladet adds. The specific safety violations or issues that contributed to this mine collapse have not been detailed.
I said, this is it, whatever has to happen, let it happen.
Zapata was taken to the surface wrapped in a thermal blanket on an electric cart, Aftonbladet reports. He was transported by Mexican Air Force helicopter to a hospital in Mazatlan, according to multiple reports. Zapata is in stable condition in hospital, though the long-term prognosis for his health is uncertain.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about mine safety in Mexico, where there has been previous controversy with claims of lack of safety, as noted by major media.
How are you, how are you?
Your torchlight helped us a lot.