Probe into Chile mine deaths ordered

Six miners were killed and two injured in Venezuela when they were buried in an abandoned mine where they were illegally working.

Mining Minister Jose Khan said on state television that the accident occurred as the men were using jackhammers to dig four tunnels in the open-air mine.

He said the unstable soil, loosened by rains, collapsed on the men, burying them.

Mr Khan said soldiers ordered a group of about 40 illegal miners out of the site in southeastern Bolivar state, but a group of them worked on during Monday night when the accident occurred.

Mr Khan said the government used troops in recent months to try to crack down on illegal mining operations, and that President Hugo Chavez called for an investigation.