This story could have had a much worse outcome. Thankfully it looks like there's a good chance all of the miners will emerge safely after being trapped in the Chilean mine for some 69 days. It's too bad our media isn't taking this opportunity to
October 13, 2010

This story could have had a much worse outcome. Thankfully it looks like there's a good chance all of the miners will emerge safely after being trapped in the Chilean mine for some 69 days. It's too bad our media isn't taking this opportunity to talk about mining safety instead of just focusing on the fact that it was something akin to a miracle that these workers have survived this ordeal.

First Workers Emerge From Chilean Mine

Rescuers in Chile have freed the first of 33 workers who had been trapped more than half a kilometer underground for over two months.

Florencio Avalos, a 31-year-old miner, was brought to the surface shortly after midnight Wednesday in a metal capsule called Phoenix. Wearing dark sunglasses to protect his eyes from camera lights after 10 weeks of living in darkness, Avalos first embraced members of his family and then Chilean President Sebastian Pinera.

The metal capsule was then lowered back down, with a paramedic on board, to free the other miners one by one in an operation expected to last up to two days.

Another rescuer, Manuel Gonzalez, descended into the mine earlier Tuesday to assist the trapped workers. They will immediately be given medical attention when they reach the surface. [...]

Speaking at the rescue site, Chilean President Pinera said the mine, which has had a history of accidents, will be closed until the safety of those working there can be guaranteed.

Can you help us out?

For nearly 20 years we have been exposing Washington lies and untangling media deceit, but now Facebook is drowning us in an ocean of right wing lies. Please give a one-time or recurring donation, or buy a year's subscription for an ad-free experience. Thank you.

Discussion

We welcome relevant, respectful comments. Any comments that are sexist or in any other way deemed hateful by our staff will be deleted and constitute grounds for a ban from posting on the site. Please refer to our Terms of Service for information on our posting policy.
Mastodon