Moscow, March 20, 2024 (Runner Desk): Rescuers facing 13 people trapped in a gold mine in eastern Russia are facing “difficult” conditions, authorities have warned. Authorities announced on Wednesday, two days after rockfalls covered the miners.
A collapse Monday at the Pioneer mine in the far eastern Amur region, one of Russia’s largest gold mines, trapped miners 125 meters (more than 400 feet) underground.
“The situation is difficult,” regional governor Vasily Orlov said in a statement after visiting the scene.
Local emergency services said 220 rescuers were sent to the scene.
A new team of experienced rescuers is expected to arrive on Wednesday from the Kusbas mine area, Orlov said.
Rescuers have begun digging a hole to free the miners, the regional government said in a statement.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that President Vladimir Putin had ordered “all necessary measures to be taken to save the miners”.
Regional authorities said they were unable to contact those trapped.
Authorities have launched an investigation into suspected violations of safety regulations.
