Reply #42: Mine rescuers ordered to the surface

[Judi Lynn]

Mine rescuers ordered to the surface
03/01/2006 - 11:38:10

Rescuers who had penetrated more than 9,000 feet into a West Virginia coal mine where 13 miners were believed trapped were ordered to return to the surface today as a drilling crew prepared to punch into the mine with a 6 1/4 inch hole.

Meanwhile, a track-mounted robot brought from a federal Mine Safety and Health Administration office was being prepared to be sent into the mine.

The robot is equipped with a camera and sensors to measure air quality.

Officials thought the workers should be removed from the mine in case the drilling caused the air to shift, said Ben Hatfield, chief executive officer of mine owner International Coal Group Inc.
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http://www.breakingnews.ie/2006/01/03/story237721.html