Seven people have died after a closed mine near Chongqing in southwestern China was suddenly flooded during alleged illegal mining activity following heavy rainfall. Police have detained 21 people in connection with the incident, and an investigation is underway.
The incident occurred in a closed and officially abandoned mine in Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, on the outskirts of Chongqing and near the border with neighbouring Xiushan County. According to police, illegal mining activities were allegedly continuing at the site despite the mine having previously been shut down.
Police received information on Saturday that several people were missing from the mine. Authorities subsequently began investigating the site and identified illegal mining activity.
According to the preliminary investigation, water began entering the mine suddenly after heavy rainfall, causing the water level inside to rise rapidly. Seven people working inside were unable to escape and drowned.
Local authorities and police launched a search and rescue operation after the incident was reported. The bodies of all seven victims were recovered from the closed mine.
Police said in a statement posted on the social media platform Weibo that seven bodies were recovered during the rescue and search operation. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Police have detained 21 people as part of the investigation. Authorities said those detained are being questioned about the incident and the alleged illegal activities being carried out at the mine.
Officials have not disclosed which mineral was allegedly being extracted illegally at the mine. Further information is expected to emerge after the investigation is completed.
According to the preliminary police investigation, the immediate cause of the accident was the sudden rise in the water level inside the mine following rainfall.
The authorities have not yet disclosed how many people were inside the mine when the incident occurred or what safety arrangements were in place at the time.
Police said the investigation is continuing. Authorities are seeking to determine how long illegal mining activities had been taking place at the closed mine, who was behind the activities and whether safety regulations were being followed at the time of the incident.
The detention of 21 people has expanded the scope of the investigation. Authorities have not yet provided detailed information about potential charges against those detained or about further legal action.
Police have also not disclosed the name of the mineral being extracted from the mine or whether any warning had been issued before the accident regarding rainfall or rising water levels.
The latest incident comes after other rain-related disasters in areas around Chongqing. In July, at least 51 people were killed in a rain-triggered landslide in Pengshui County, neighbouring Youyang County. Ten people were also reported missing in that incident.
The incident has renewed attention on illegal mining activities at closed and abandoned mines. Such sites can involve risks related to mine stability, drainage, ventilation and emergency evacuation.
The authorities are investigating whether the illegal activities at the closed mine were carried out under the supervision or protection of particular individuals and whether safety regulations were disregarded at any level.
Further details on the circumstances of the accident, those responsible and the alleged illegal mining activities are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
