Ten miners were killed in an explosion at a coal mine in West Sumatra province on Friday, authorities said. So far four people had been rescued.
“The last victim was found after a search in an 800-foot (240-meter) tunnel. Most of the victims suffered burns. The survivors experienced respiratory difficulties and were evacuated for treatment,” said Octavianto, a spokesman for the local rescue agency who, like many Indonesians, goes by one name.
The explosion caused by a buildup of methane and other gases occurred at a private mine in the Sawahlunto district.
Rescuers removed the gases with blowers and fans to enter.
“The team had trouble finding the victims because the location was quite difficult,” Octavianto said.
Videos distributed by the National Search and Rescue Agency showed rescuers moving victims on stretchers and giving them oxygen. Others were carrying yellow bags with corpses.
Miners face various hazards, such as avalanches, floods, and landslides.