Nine days after the collapse at the Santa Fe mine in the municipality of El Rosario, Sinaloa, rescue operations continue for three trapped miners, with the participation of federal, state authorities, and specialized brigades. So far, only one of the four has been rescued alive, while the other three remain trapped at approximately 15 meters from the area where they are presumed to be, according to the Unified Command Post.
The collapse occurred while the four miners were inside the deposit, and since then, rescue teams have worked non-stop in extreme conditions of humidity, mud accumulation, and debris pressure, which hinder direct access. To ensure the safety of the trapped workers and rescuers, several structural measures have been implemented, authorities highlighted. Strategic areas were sealed to stop the flow of water and mud, and reinforced concrete walls were constructed to contain internal pressure and prevent further collapses.
According to the Unified Command Post, these actions have allowed the brigades to advance more safely towards critical points in the mine. Additionally, teams have cleared material over an approximate 130-meter stretch and enabled internal routes using wood, sandbags, and signage, facilitating movement within the tunnels. Furthermore, an exploratory shaft is being drilled with an advance of six meters to assess conditions before entering the area where the trapped miners might be located.
In addition, trenches have been built to contain mud, and electrical infrastructure has been installed to operate pumps and water extraction equipment. Authorities assured that these measures aim to maintain ground stability and reduce risks for rescue teams while efforts continue to locate the remaining workers. The Unified Command Post reported that the operation is carried out in a coordinated manner, always prioritizing the safety of the rescuers.
To date, contact with the miners has not been established due to obstacles in the tunnels and the accumulated pressure of mud and water inside the mine. Meanwhile, the families of the workers remain in the area, receiving constant updates on the progress and waiting for news about the three miners still trapped. The first rescued miner was transported to a hospital, where he is recovering after remaining underground for several hours. The coordination between security forces, specialized brigades, and Civil Protection authorities has been key to maintaining an orderly and safe operation as teams advance towards the area where the workers are presumed to be.
