The tunnel collapsed on Sunday June 6, trapping eight miners and two safety inspectors. Six miners in the west part of the tunnel were able to escape.

 

Upon recovery, the miners were immediately sent to hospital for treatment. No details on their health was given.

 

Rescuers could hear noises from the tunnel after it collapsed, but were not sure of the condition of the miners and their chances of survival.

 

Officials earlier said rescue efforts had been hampered by the complex rock structure above the collapsed tunnel, reported the South China Morning Post. Rescuers pumped oxygen into the tunnel to keep the miners alive.

 

Daanshan traditionally has held a good safety record, Sunday’s accident being the worst in 10 years.

 

Xinhua said the miners had signed proper labour contracts with the mine company and were insured.