A tunnel collapse in a Chinese hydroelectric plant in Ecuador's Amazonian region Saturday night killed 13 workers, including three Chinese and 10 Ecuadorians, and injured another 12.

Ecuador's President Rafael Correa confirmed the death of the 13 workers in a "serious" accident in Sucumbios state, where the plant is located.

Correa wrote in Twitter: "13 confirmed dead: 10 Ecuadorians and three Chinese. A supportive hug to their families and co-workers."

The injured people have been taken to hospitals in Lago Agrio and Lumbaqui, according to Andes, Ecuador's official news agency.

Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant, located in Sucumbios province (northeast), 150 km east of the capital Quito, is currently under construction.


According to the National Risk Management Ministry, the accident was caused by a "collapse in a tunnel" that affected the high-pressure pipes inside the engine room.

Coca Codo Sinclair, the largest hydroelectric plant project in Ecuador, is constructed by Chinese company Sinohydro starting from 2010. It is expected that the plant will begin operation in 2016.