This area is completely different from when it was first discovered. The coal yard is several times larger, and many protective measures have been taken around it, with some simple but much sturdier houses built.
It's not accurate to say we could see very clearly now. The explosion had a significant impact on the surrounding area. Not only were some parts of the building visibly collapsed, but nearby trees and houses were also greatly affected. Almost everything in sight was covered with a layer of black coal dust. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe it as a complete mess.
The original managers of the coal mine were also veterans. When they encountered this situation, they took immediate action. However, it was already freezing cold and the mountain was quite hard, making it difficult to break through. With enough manpower, after a quick round trip, the collapsed passage was cleared, and the rescue operation began in an orderly manner.
"How many people were underground? Has the cause of the explosion been found?"
He helped move the large rock blocking the way and then briefly turned to ask about the current situation.
Even with everyone busy, they still didn't have enough manpower. Commander Lin couldn't just stand by and watch; he was covered in dirt himself and was at his wits' end.
"More than a hundred people are involved. The cause is under investigation. Preliminary assessment suggests it was caused by someone using an open flame nearby."
This is simple, yet they don't understand it and won't offer any opinion.
"Then there will definitely be wounded. How should we arrange for them? Even just transporting them down the mountain would be a considerable undertaking."
What are your terms of service? What do you need me to do?
"Yes, there will definitely be wounded,"
They all tacitly avoided using the term "casualties," only referring to "injured," but everyone knew that in this kind of accident, there was a high probability that not everyone could be rescued.
"Furthermore, this area is all mountain roads, which are not suitable for sports injuries,"
"What if there's a doctor on site?"
Commander Lin understood what she meant; field medics during wartime were nothing new.
"That would be good, at least it would buy time for emergency treatment. The only thing to consider then is getting down the mountain."
Looking briefly at the path they had come from, and seeing familiar figures emerging from the woods, Jian couldn't help but smile.
"It seems that the old fox is indeed an old fox; he always thinks things through thoroughly."
Among Zheng Aiguo's team were Dr. Qin, Army Doctor Xiao Li, and several nurses.
Without exchanging pleasantries, everyone looked around the area upon arrival and immediately went into emergency rescue mode.
The wounded soldiers who had been rescued were placed in a house not far away. Doctor Qin and the others asked for directions and rushed straight there. Jian Dan and Commander Lin did not say anything more and turned around to help.
Compared to last time, the entrance to the coal mine has been expanded considerably, with two more entrances added. It was easy to see the soldiers constantly digging out rubble, clods of earth, and even coal that had been blasted up.
They arrived in a hurry, and the tools they found were in nearby houses. There weren't many, so most people used their hands to dig out small pieces of gravel and frozen soil bit by bit. When they encountered large rocks, several people had to shout and move them out.
When Jian Dan passed by, she saw that the hands of these people were almost all mangled, covered in blood and coal dust. With the temperature, the color of their hands was no longer discernible, and they were probably numb by now, their movements mechanical.
This is just the beginning of the hole, and we can still use tools. But once we get to a certain depth in the well, we don't dare use any tools. We can only scoop it out by hand, handful by handful.
As they walked, Jian Dan couldn't go any further. They claimed to be saving people, but they relied on the flesh and blood of the other people.
She wasn't a professional and didn't dare to interfere recklessly, but she felt really bad if she did nothing.
She found a secluded spot nearby, dug a hole, placed some unremarkable items inside, then returned to the scene and took Zheng Aiguo there.
"Brother Zheng, here are some tools that should be useful. Take them over and let everyone make the most of them."
Zheng Aiguo's hands were also covered in blood and gore; he almost lunged at the tools when he saw them.
"Sister-in-law, did the political commissar prepare this?"
It was already getting dark. The wind was strong in the mountains, so it was fine for Jian Dan, who was wearing many layers. But the soldiers were sweating from working, and some of them had taken off their cotton-padded coats. With this gust of wind, many of them sneezed. Jian Dan didn't say much to him.
"Go ahead, there are tools and gloves here. Tell everyone that while rescuing people is important, they also need to protect themselves."
This rescue operation is unlikely to be completed anytime soon. You'll all have a hard day, so please go ahead and get busy. I'll make you something to eat, and you can take turns coming over to eat something later.
Zheng Aiguo assumed she had found the kitchen and supplies at the coal mine, and immediately grinned.
"Alright, sister-in-law, you really care about the brothers. We..."
He scratched his head.
"When we gathered, the cafeteria hadn't opened yet, and we were hungry."
"Didn't you guys eat lunch either?"
The soldiers were still relentlessly carrying out rescue operations, seemingly oblivious to the fact that they were hungry, and without a single complaint. It was hard to describe the feeling in my heart.
"Alright, I understand. You can go now. Tell everyone to hold on a little longer."
"Okay, all done!"
He happily ran back to call people to come and move the tools, pursed his lips, and all the hesitation in his heart disappeared.
The area around the mine is where people live and work. It was easy to find the kitchen. There were many people here, and the kitchen had several large pots and plenty of daily necessities. Even the water tank was full, which made things much more convenient for Jian Dan.
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