Seven people trapped in Mexico mine collapse

MUZQUIZ, Mexico (AFP) - Rescuers were trying on Friday (June 4) to free seven mine workers trapped after an accident in a coal-producing region in northern Mexico, authorities said.

Initial investigations suggest the collapse was due to a flood at the mine in the municipality of Muzquiz, the state of Coahuila's labour department said.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he had sent personnel from the security, labour and civil protection ministries to the area.

"We are watching and in coordination with municipal and state authorities," he tweeted. "We hope that the rescue is favourable for the families and for everyone."

Coahuila, the country's main coal-producing region, has seen a series of fatal mining accidents over the years.

The worst was an explosion that claimed 65 lives at the Pasta de Conchos mine in 2006.

The bodies of 63 of the miners are still at the site and the families have repeatedly appealed to the authorities to recover them.

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