Death toll in Indonesia tunnel collapse rises to 21
17:49, 21 May 2013
JAKARTA. May 2. KAZINFORM The death toll from a tunnel collapse last week at an underground mine training facility in Indonesia has risen to 21 after emergency workers recovered more bodies from the rubble, the mining company said Tuesday.
A further seven people remain unaccounted for, according to PT Freeport Indonesia, which mines gold, copper and silver in the region, Kazinform has learnt from CNN.
Rescuers had managed to save 10 people from the accident, which occurred on May 14 about 500 meters from the entrance of the Big Gossan Mine. The facility is in the eastern Indonesian province of Papua.
The Indonesian government said a tunnel roof collapsed after a landslide.
Hundreds of current and former employees have joined prayer services for the victims in recent days, according to the mining company.
Freeport said it had appointed staff members to provide food, accommodation and transport to the family members of those affected.