Potosí, Bolivia—A fatal mining shaft collapse occurred early Friday morning in a rural sector near Potosí. The structural failure trapped one worker inside the narrow tunnel system. Rescue teams from the local mining cooperative were dispatched immediately to the site to clear the debris.

The collapse took place during the morning shift as miners worked at a depth of approximately forty meters. Initial reports suggest that a support beam gave way, triggering a localized cave-in. Other workers managed to escape the tunnel before the ceiling fell further.

Rescuers spent several hours clearing rocks and soil to reach the trapped individual. Despite their efforts, they recovered the victim’s body shortly before noon. The site was declared unsafe, and all remaining workers were ordered to evacuate the shaft.

Mining safety officials arrived at the location to inspect the structural integrity of the surrounding tunnels. They noted that years of informal excavation have left the mountain increasingly unstable. This incident marks the latest in a series of similar collapses reported in the department this year.

Local miners gathered at the entrance of the shaft to support the victim's family. The tragedy has renewed calls for better safety equipment and stricter enforcement of mining regulations in the region. Many laborers expressed concern about the lack of investment in standard shoring techniques.

The regional government has launched an investigation into the cause of the structural failure. Authorities plan to review the mine's operational permits and safety records from the past two years. The operation will remain suspended until a full assessment is completed.

Equipment was brought in to stabilize the area around the shaft entrance. Police are also conducting interviews with supervisors to determine if safety warnings had been ignored. The site remains off-limits to all non-authorized personnel.

Recovery efforts for the equipment have been halted due to the ongoing risk of further collapses. The focus is currently on providing assistance to the affected family. No further work will take place in that specific sector of the mine.