The Avery Island salt mine experienced a significant roof collapse on December 14, 2020.
Understanding the Avery Island Salt Mine Collapse
The incident at the Avery Island salt mine, involving a severe roof collapse, occurred on December 14, 2020. This tragic event effectively marked the end of Cargill's 25-year tenure as the mine's operator.
Consequences and Casualties
The roof collapse had immediate and severe consequences for the personnel working underground:
- Miners Trapped: Eighteen miners were briefly trapped within the mine following the collapse.
- Survivors: Sixteen of the trapped miners managed to escape the mine unharmed.
- Fatalities: Tragically, two miners were crushed to death during the accident.
- Operational Impact: The incident directly led to the cessation of Cargill's long-standing operational control of the mine.
Below is a summary of the key details regarding the Avery Island salt mine collapse:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Collapse | December 14, 2020 |
| Location | Avery Island Salt Mine |
| Operator | Cargill (operations ceased after the incident) |
| Type of Event | Roof Collapse |
| Miners Trapped | 18 (briefly) |
| Miners Escaped | 16 (unharmed) |
| Fatalities | 2 |
