CTindex - Christian Today UK Interactive Catalogue
World

Final Drill Hole Offers Last Chance for Utah Miners

The drilling of the sixth and final borehole into a Utah mine began Thursday as part of the last effort to save the six trapped miners.

by Jennifer Riley, Christian Today US Correspondent
Posted: Friday, August 24, 2007, 12:00 (BST)
Font Scale:A A A

Murray said he has filed with federal regulators to permanently close and seal the Utah mine.

"Had I known that this evil mountain, this 'alive' mountain, would do what it did, I would never have sent the miners in here," said Murray, according to AP. "I'll never go near that mountain again."

Family members of the miners have criticised Murray and federal officials for not declaring the mine too dangerous to work in prior to the tragedy, saying that there were many signs indicating the mine's danger. Relatives are also angry that Murray will not continue the rescue effort or at least send rescuers in a capsule to retrieve the bodies.

Officials suspended all underground work after three rescue workers died last week while trying to tunnel their way to a cavity where they thought the miners were located.

"We are so appreciative to all of the rescue members and their families. Don't get us wrong, we are so appreciative," Jackie Taylor, whose daughter dates one of the six missing miners, told NBC's "Today." "Our love and our prayers go out to all of their family members. But our family members are still under there. They're underground. We need that closure in our lives also."

Sonny J. Olsen, an attorney and spokesman for relatives of the miners, said the families want to find the bodies despite how long it may take.

"Regardless if it takes three months to wait for the seismic activity to stop, they want some method to go down and get their families," Olsen said.

The three cave-ins since Aug. 6 are all believes to be caused by "mountain bumps," or shifting grounds which cause chunks of rocks to fall from the wall. Crandall Canyon mine is said to be a "live mountain" with occasional "mountain bumps."

The sixth borehole is scheduled to be completed by Saturday, according to CNN.

The trapped men are: Louis Alonso Hernandez, 23; Manuel Sanchez, 41; Kerry Allred, 57; Carlos Payan, in his 20s; Brandon Phillips, 24; and Don Erickson, 50.



continue to read > 1 | 2
Copyright © 2007 Christian Today. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Have your say on this article
Light for Last Days
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here
Methodist Insurance
World Headline
Christians to send Advent peace messages to Bethlehem

Christians to send Advent peace messages to Bethlehem

The World Council of Churches is asking Christians to send prayers and messages of peace to the birthplace of Jesus...
Sponsored Features
Order "The most transforming time in my life". Why not find out more? Order books for all ages commending the free and sovereign grace of Almighty God.
01582 765448 Friendly printing company for churches, charities and businesses nationwide! Professional website design and web development for businesses and charities
Google Advertisement
Externally generated - Report offensive links here