10.04.2026 09:50
A worker who survived 13 days 300 meters underground in a mining disaster in Mexico has been rescued. It was reported that when the rescue teams first saw the worker, he said, "I did not lose my faith."
The mining disaster in Mexico ended with a miraculous rescue after days of hopeful waiting. Francisco Zapata, 42 years old, who was trapped about 300 meters underground after a collapse at the Santa Fe gold mine in Sinaloa state, was brought out alive after 13 days.
THE DISASTER OCCURRED ON MARCH 25
On March 25, a dam collapsed at the mine in the town of El Rosario, causing the waste reservoir to burst, and the tunnels quickly filled with water and mud. Of the 25 workers inside at the time, 21 managed to escape on their own, while four miners were trapped underground.
13 DAYS OF FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL
The search and rescue operations initiated after the accident continued tirelessly for days. After more than 312 hours of work, diving teams from the Mexican Army noticed a light in the dark, water-filled tunnels. It turned out that this light belonged to Zapata, who did not extinguish his torch until the last moment.
It was learned that the miner, who was trying to survive in water that rose to his waist, resisted until the very end. His first words upon seeing the rescue teams were, "I did not lose my faith."
THE CHALLENGING OPERATION LASTED HOURS
It was announced that José Alejandro Cástulo, one of the trapped workers, was rescued on the fifth day, while one worker lost his life. Extracting Zapata from his location posed a separate challenge. Teams advancing through narrow and muddy tunnels struggled for about 21 hours to bring the miner to the surface.
MIRACULOUS RESCUE BECAME A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
The event, described as a "miraculous rescue," brought discussions about mining safety back to the forefront in the country. It was reported that Zapata, who is undergoing treatment, has overcome the life-threatening situation and his health is gradually improving.