From Deseret News archives:
Rescuers near Utah mine collapse area
After desperate excavation, fate of 6 trapped miners finally may be learned
HUNTINGTON, Emery County Rescuers this morning were expected to finally reach the area where six miners are trapped 1,886 feet underground in a collapsed mine.
Overnight, authorities tried desperately to learn the fates of Kerry Allred, Don Erickson, Luis Hernandez, Carlos Payan, Brandon Phillips and Arturo "Manuel" Sanchez.
A high-resolution camera with lights attached was painstakingly lowered down an 8 5/8-inch hole bored through a mountainside in an attempt to learn whether the men were alive or dead inside the pitch-black cavern.
"We believe they're alive until we find out otherwise," said Richard Stickler, the assistant U.S. Labor secretary over the Mine Safety and Health Administration. "That's the attitude we have in a rescue operation. It could be wrong."
The men have been trapped underground since early Monday morning, when a part of the mine collapsed in an event so powerful it registered 3.9 on the Richter scale.
However, federal authorities admitted having some concern about the oxygen levels inside parts of the Crandall Canyon Mine. Atmospheric samples taken from inside a 2 1/2-inch hole drilled inside the mine indicated there may not be enough oxygen where the miners are believed to be to sustain human life.
Natural oxygen levels in ventilated areas of the mine are about 21 percent, but oxygen readings taken from the hole were at 7.5 percent.
"There's a variation of the oxygen levels," Stickler said, adding that it was impossible to know beforehand for sure if the miners had sufficient air.
Hopeful mine officials also said it was possible the six men had fled to an exit tunnel where there may be more air.
The 2 1/2-inch hole was drilled into the mine late Thursday and had drifted 87 feet off course during its descent. Mine officials said it broke through in a separate, but active, area of the mine.
Recent comments
I have kept up with this rescue from day 1. My thoughts and prayers...
melanie a | Aug. 22, 2007 at 7:23 p.m.
we are praying with you all, our hearts ache for the
families of the...
norma m | Aug. 18, 2007 at 9:40 a.m.
Our hearts and prayers are with these miners and their families.
Miriam R. | Aug. 12, 2007 at 10:43 p.m.
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