Miners trapped as rescue effort grows in Peru
- 12 years ago
Day five. Nine miners in Peru stranded in a wildcat mine approximately 656 feet below ground.
Rescuers from Chile and Mexico join the effort to free the men from the illegal Cabeza de Negro mine, which partially collapsed on Thursday.
The trapped men are receiving oxygen and fluids pumped through a giant hose.
Relatives like Paola Sarmiento watch for signs of life.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PAOLA SARMIENTO, MOTHER OF TRAPPED MINER EDWIN BELLIDO, SAYING:
"I'm nervous. My son gets worried when he hears my voice and something bad could still happen. I have to have courage."
Authorities closed the gold and copper years ago, but miners returned.
Small illegal mines are common in Peru. It's estimated they generate as much as $2 billion a year in income.
Katharine Jackson, Reuters.
Rescuers from Chile and Mexico join the effort to free the men from the illegal Cabeza de Negro mine, which partially collapsed on Thursday.
The trapped men are receiving oxygen and fluids pumped through a giant hose.
Relatives like Paola Sarmiento watch for signs of life.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PAOLA SARMIENTO, MOTHER OF TRAPPED MINER EDWIN BELLIDO, SAYING:
"I'm nervous. My son gets worried when he hears my voice and something bad could still happen. I have to have courage."
Authorities closed the gold and copper years ago, but miners returned.
Small illegal mines are common in Peru. It's estimated they generate as much as $2 billion a year in income.
Katharine Jackson, Reuters.