Crew Rushes to Get to Trapped W.Va. Miners

Crew Rushes to Get to Trapped W.Va. Miners

Rescuers in W.Va. Get Ready to Drill Toward 13 Miners Trapped Underground After Explosion

By VICKI SMITH Associated Press Writer
The Associated PressThe Associated Press

TALLMANSVILLE, W.Va. Jan 2, 2006 — A coal mine explosion that may have been sparked by lightning trapped 13 miners 260 feet below ground Monday, and rescuers went in to find them after waiting almost 12 agonizing hours for dangerous gases to clear.

The condition of the miners was not immediately known. Four co-workers tried to reach them but were stopped by a wall of debris, and the blast knocked out the mine's communication equipment, preventing authorities from contacting the miners.

Continued...