US  | 

Rescuers Rush to Save 3 Trapped Ky. Miners

Relentless rain, flooding cut off their exit this morning
Posted Jun 20, 2011 3:39 PM CDT
Coal Miners Trapped in Kentucky Mine: Flooding, Heavy Rains Blocking Exit
A Cadillac is seen in floodwater from the Ohio River in Paducah, Kentucky.   (Getty Images)

Three coal miners are trapped in a Kentucky mine after relentless rain and flooding cut off their exit early today, reports NPR. The miners were able to safely reach high ground within the Jellico No. 1 mine, and officials above ground have been in communication with them via phone, says a mining safety spokeswoman. Rescuers said late this afternoon that they were "hopeful we can bring them out in about three hours, but [there are] no guarantees." None of the miners sustained injury, and pumping has begun to lower the water level considerably.

Flood water began pooling about 180 feet into the mine’s entrance when a diversion ditch failed to direct water elsewhere following a minor collapse, reports Northern Kentucky News. The Bell County area received between 4 and 6 inches of rain in five hours after a long line of thunderstorms rolled through overnight, and a flash flood warning has been issued until tomorrow. (Click to read about other flooding problems caused by Mother Nature.)

Read These Next
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X