Mexican officials said Friday that they believe they will finally be able to enter a flooded mine to attempt to rescue 10 miners who have been trapped inside for more than a week.
Fifteen miners were trapped in a flooded coal pit in Sabinas, Coahuila, near the U.S. border on Aug. 3.
Five of the men escaped with injuries, but 10 others have been trapped inside for more than a week. Officials said earlier rescue attempts were unsuccessful because of water and debris.
But on Friday, National Civil Defense Coordinator Laura Velazquez said they had pumped out enough water to attempt the rescue again.
Officials have also said they have opened an investigation into the collapse and will charge the mine owner for operating illegally.
Distraught families, however, have expressed anger at the government for failing to rescue their loved ones more quickly and for what advocates say is a lack of oversight to ensure the safety of mining operations in the country.
The latest attempt to enter the mine to rescue the 10 missing miners began late Friday afternoon.
