Maybe you need some company down in that mine:
Related: Mining Miracle in China
Will we get one here?
"Toxic gas hinders search for 32 miners; In China, hope of rescue fading" by Gillian Wong, Associated Press | April 7, 2010
XIANGNING, China — A dangerous gas buildup and narrow shafts stalled rescue efforts yesterday for the remaining 32 miners trapped in a Chinese coal mine, as the euphoria faded from the previous day’s stunning rescue of 115 workers after more than a week underground.
There were no signs of life in the mine, and the recovery of six bodies also dimmed hopes.
Rescue work stretched into its 10th day but met a new challenge as toxic, highly combustible gas seeped into the mine, reaching levels a rescue spokesman said were “impermissible.’’
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The grim outlook follows Monday’s dramatic rescues at the Wangjialing mine in the northern province of Shanxi. The 115 miners survived for eight days underground by eating sawdust, tree bark, paper, and even coal. Some strapped themselves to the walls of the shafts with their belts to avoid drowning while they slept....
The survivors have been hospitalized in the nearby city of Hejin under tight security, with wards guarded by paramilitary police. Sixty survivors were taken by a chartered train to the provincial capital, Taiyuan, in the morning....
Why? Afraid they might talk?
The rescue was rare good news for China’s mining industry, the deadliest in the world, where accidents killed 2,631 coal miners last year. That’s down from 6,995 deaths in 2002, the most dangerous year on record....
Many survivors were still too weak to talk at length, said Dr. Zhang Jianying at the Employees’ Hospital of the Shanxi Aluminum Factory. So far, relatives were not allowed to visit.
“The most important thing for them right now is to rest,’’ he said....
Which is crazy because that is the first thing I would want to here and touch -- family!
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Related: Gas in W.Va. mine halts rescue
That's not good.
"Hope fades despite efforts to save miners" by Associated Press | April 8, 2010
XIANGNING, China — Rescuers pumped out water yesterday in a fading bid to find more survivors in a flooded mine in northern China where 115 miners had earlier been pulled to safety in dramatic rescues after being trapped for more than a week.
The confirmed death toll rose to nine last evening, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. About 29 miners are believed trapped in two areas and there have been no further signs of life....
The lowered hopes come after Monday’s dramatic rescues at the Wangjialing mine in Shanxi Province.--more--"
Related: Rescuers anxious to resume mine search
Update: 4 missing miners are dead
More: Around AmeriKa: Coal Country Congresman Cleared
