Four dead, 6 missing in Antique mining accident

Four people were confirmed dead while 10 remained buried following a landslide at an open coal mining pit in Antique early Thursday, police said.

Superintendent Marloe Marfil, Antique provincial director-officer-in-charge, said 13 miners were initially said to have been buried following a landslide at Semirara Coal & Mining Corp., in Barangay (village) Semirara in Caluya, Antique around 12:50 a.m.

Three were immediately rescued, but four other male workers were later recovered dead. The bodies were recovered between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Regional police chief Agrimero Cruz Jr. said the three workers were taken to hospitals.

Cruz said searchers are looking for the 10 missing workers buried in the avalanche that tumbled down from one side of the privately-run coal-mining pit in Antique province.

Marfil said the rescue operation is being conducted only by workers of the mining company after the area was declared a danger zone.

“Hindi na makapasok ang pulis (Police can’t enter the pit),” Marfil said.

Reports had it that the workers were taking a break when the incident happened.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the landslide and if the rainy weather in the area contributed to the accident. Cruz said it happened far from residential areas.

Regional disaster-response officer Rosario Cabrera said authorities are coordinating with the company that runs the coal mine to help in the rescue.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday ordered the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) to determine the cause of Wednesday's mining accident in the central Philippine province of Antique which has caused at least four dead and six missing.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Thursday the president also instructed the NDRRMC to update him on the results of the investigations. Aquino also instructed he Department of Social Welfare and Development to extend immediate assistance to the victims and their families.

Thursday 14 February 2013

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