Two people are believed to be trapped underground after a mine collapsed on the outskirts of Ballarat.<\/p>\n
Victoria Police said emergency services were responding to reports of a collapse at Ballarat Gold Mine in Mount Clear about 4.50pm on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson said the situation was developing and further information would be provided when available.<\/p>\n
Ambulance Victoria said paramedics were at the scene and an air ambulance has been dispatched.<\/p>\n
The mine’s website states it operates deep beneath buildings, streets and homes and has an extensive network of tunnels.
\nWorksafe inspectors and a technical specialist are also responding.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she was thinking of every worker and family impacted by the collapse.<\/p>\n
“Tonight will be a long night for them and for the entire Ballarat community,” she said.<\/p>\n
Ballarat Gold Mine declined to comment.<\/p>\n
It is owned by Victory Minerals and the mine is not open to the public.<\/p>\n
In 2007, 27 miners were trapped 300 meters underground at Ballarat Gold Mine for several hours.<\/p>\n
The men were not hurt and were eventually winched to safety by a crane.<\/p>\n
The Mount Clear area has been the focus of the search for Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy, however, there is nothing to suggest any link.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Two people are believed to be trapped underground after a mine collapsed on the outskirts of Ballarat. Victoria Police said emergency services were responding to reports of a collapse at Ballarat Gold Mine in Mount Clear about 4.50pm on Wednesday. A spokesperson said the situation was developing and further information would be provided when available. […]<\/p>\n