Old mine collapses in south Finland

The collapse of An inactive mine in Salo, southwestern Finland, collapsed and endangered blocks of flats built after the closing of the mine, media reported Thursday.

There were no casualties, but housing is just 100 meters away and may be evacuated.

Large masses of water burst out from old mine entrances with explosion level force. The event occurred Wednesday night, but was not reported until Thursday.

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) is investigating the site.

Paivi Rantakoski, a director at the agency told national broadcaster Yle that when a mine is closed the operator must make it certain that a risk of collapse does not exist.

She said she did not recall a comparable event in Finland. Under Finnish law, the operator is still responsible for damage caused.

Mining began in the area in the 17th century. The Aijala mine produced zinc, nickel and copper until the 1970s. The collapsed mine was last operated by the state-owned Outokumpu company, known today as a steel producer. Endit