2006 Copiapó mining accident
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The 2006 Copiapó mining accident occurred on January 20, 2006, when an explosion occurred in the underground Carola-Agustina copper mine in Copiapó, Chile. It was caused by two trucks colliding, and the explosion covered the only escape route for the miners inside the mine.[1][2]
Quick Facts Date, Time ...
Date | January 20, 2006 |
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Time | 08:30 local time (11:30 UTC) |
Location | Copiapó, Chile |
Casualties | |
2 killed | |
2 Injured |
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The explosion caused two deaths and two injuries. Seventy miners were trapped.[1]
Shortly after the explosion occurred, workers at the nearby mine, "Punta de Cobre", began digging a tunnel towards the Carola-Agustina mine to assist in rescuing the trapped miners.[1] Rescue efforts lasted seven hours, and the 70 trapped miners were rescued alive.