PDI forms team to investigate El Teniente mine worker deaths

A multidisciplinary team from the Investigations Police (PDI) has been formed to investigate the deaths of two workers at the El Teniente mine, operated by Codelco. The incident occurred on October 11 when an avalanche struck a vehicle used by employees of the contractor company AURA while they were performing snow clearing duties in the El Rajo sector.

The Medical Legal Service determined the cause of death to be asphyxiation by immersion, noting no external injuries that would suggest direct third-party involvement. Investigators are working with the O’Higgins Regional Prosecutor's Office to determine if the avalanche was caused by natural factors or if there is any third-party responsibility.