16 Miners Trapped After Accident in Coahuila Coal Mine

On Sept. 8, an accident at DUMAC’s coal mine in Ejido El Mezquite, Sabinas, Coahuila, left 16 workers trapped. The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. when a mechanical failure snapped the hoist cable used to lift coal and transport miners. The container fell to the bottom of the shaft, blocking the exit and leaving workers underground.

Initially, 11 miners were reported inside, with five escaping on their own. Authorities later confirmed that 16 remain trapped.

Rescue teams and emergency brigades were deployed, working cautiously due to the shaft’s dimensions, about 4m in diameter and up to 5m deep. Civil Protection officials said the accident was caused by the breakage of the container’s support system, fully obstructing the shaft.

Authorities confirmed that the trapped miners are in stable condition, with access to oxygen and constant communication with rescue teams. So far, no fatalities have been reported. Specialized crews continue working around the clock to reinforce the tunnels and ensure a safe extraction of the 16 workers.