Two miners die in rockfall

Two miners died in a recent rockfall at the Quinsam coal mine, 22 km north of Campbell River, B.C.

Hillsborough Resources (HLB-T) reports that three miners were trapped when the tunnel in which they were working collapsed on Jan. 16. Two of the miners died instantly, and rescue workers spent five-and-a-half hours tunneling to the third victim. After being pulled to safety, he was found to have suffered only minor injuries. He has since been released from hospital.

“We are devastated by the impact this accident has had on the families and co-workers of the victims,” states Paul Krivokuca, vice-president of Hillsborough. “The company and all its employees share their grief.” He adds: “I am extremely proud of the tremendous efforts of our mine rescue teams and everyone involved in the rescue efforts.” The province’s mines ministry has begun investigating the accident.