Tragedy on top of tragedy

The mountain at Crandall Canyon Mine moved again Thursday night, this time killing three rescue workers and injuring six others.

Many of the rescue workers are employees of the mine, co-workers of the six trapped miners who they have desperately been trying to reach since a mine collapse on Aug. 6.

It's a cruel turn of events, particularly as spirits had been somewhat buoyed by federal officials' earlier descriptions of noises picked up by geo-phones — readings so significant that rescuers altered above-ground drilling plans. Mine officials have insisted that oxygen levels in the mine were sufficient to sustain life. Now, the deaths and injuries of the rescue workers places in doubt whether rescue activities can resume.

Friends and loved ones of the trapped miners, and now rescue workers, need Utahns' support and prayers more than ever. Some of the rescue workers are related to the trapped miners. At least two of the rescuers involved in Thursday's accident are Mine Safety and Health Administration employees.

Mine officials and MSHA representatives need consideration, too. They have been racing against the clock, operating on very little sleep and under extreme stress since the collapse occurred.

There must be a thorough investigation of both events to determine what can be done differently to prevent such disasters in the future and to enhance the safety of men and women engaged in what is dangerous work under the best of circumstances.

Coal mining communities are no strangers to tragedy. The 1984 Wilberg Mine fire that killed 27 miners is not a distant memory to the people of Emery County. In fact, one of the miners trapped in the Crandall Canyon Mine is the nephew of a miner who perished in that disaster. Mining families learn to cope with the inherent danger of underground coal extraction.

That mettle has been tested anew. Doubtless, community members will lean on one another to weather yet another accident at Crandall Canyon Mine. We trust that they know they are not alone in their ordeal. This is not a tragedy playing out in some distant place. This has happened in our own back yard. Emery County remains in all Utahns' thoughts and prayers.