China mine collapse leaves 4 dead, 49 missing, as rescue resumes

Rescuers operate excavators to conduct rescue works at the site of a collapsed coal mine in Alxa Left Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 23, 2023. The search and rescue efforts in a collapsed coal mine in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region resumed after a halt caused by a massive landslide at the rescue site. So far, four people have been confirmed dead, and 49 others remained missing.

Rescuers have brought out 10 people from debris, including the deaths and six injured ones, who were immediately sent to hospital, according to the rescue headquarters. (Xinhua/Bei He)

HOHHOT, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The search and rescue efforts in a collapsed coal mine in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region resumed after a halt caused by a massive landslide at the rescue site. So far, four people have been confirmed dead, and 49 others remained missing.

Rescuers have brought out 10 people from the debris, including the dead and six injured ones, who were immediately sent to hospital, according to the regional rescue headquarters.

The collapse happened at the open-pit mine in Alxa League around 1 p.m. Wednesday, and was followed by a massive landslide at around 6 p.m. Wednesday, halting the search and rescue efforts until Thursday morning.

Chang Zhigang, head of the rescue team under the headquarters and director of the regional emergency management department, said at a press conference held Thursday afternoon that 19 work safety experts and 919 rescue workers, aided by 156 pieces of equipment and vehicles, were involved in the search and rescue efforts at the collapsed mine.

There are still risks of secondary disasters at the site, and experts are conducting on-site investigation and evaluation to optimize rescue plans and ensure safety.

Altogether 45 medical workers and 15 ambulances have been dispatched to carry out first aid at the rescue site. A green channel has been set up to quickly transport the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Among the six injured, one suffered severe injuries, while the other five sustained minor injuries.

The cause of the mine slope collapse is under investigation. Those involved are under police control.

The regional authority has launched a massive workplace safety overhaul following this mine accident. 

Rescuers operate rescue machineries to conduct rescue works at the site of a collapsed coal mine in Alxa Left Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 23, 2023. The search and rescue efforts in a collapsed coal mine in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region resumed after a halt caused by a massive landslide at the rescue site. So far, four people have been confirmed dead, and 49 others remained missing.

Rescuers have brought out 10 people from debris, including the deaths and six injured ones, who were immediately sent to hospital, according to the rescue headquarters. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

Rescuers conduct rescue works at the site of a collapsed coal mine in Alxa Left Banner of Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 23, 2023. The search and rescue efforts in a collapsed coal mine in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region resumed after a halt caused by a massive landslide at the rescue site. So far, four people have been confirmed dead, and 49 others remained missing.

Rescuers have brought out 10 people from debris, including the deaths and six injured ones, who were immediately sent to hospital, according to the rescue headquarters. (Xinhua/Peng Yuan)