Rescue Crews Work To Reach Trapped Miners

Rescuers Work 'Around The Clock' To Reach Trapped Miners

GEORGETOWN, LIA--Rescue crews are working tirelessly to reach three miners who became trapped Monday afternoon when the underground chamber they were working in caved in.

The three men were nearly done with their work shift at the Rainer Valley Mine when the chamber they were in collapsed, mine officials say. Rescuers immediately arrived on scene, but have so far been unable to reach the trapped miners.

"We are doing everything we can, at this point, to reach these men as soon as possible," Ken Gammath, Executive Vice President for the mine said at a press conference Tuesday. "We will do everything in our power, and we have a dedicated group of rescuers working on this. I assure you we're are doing everything possible."

The victims' names have not been released, as mine officials work to contact family members.

It's unclear exactly how the cavern collapsed. Officials believe blasting that happened earlier in the week near the site may have contributed to the collapse.

An air sample test was conducted Tuesday, showing that the air is safe to breathe. Mine officials also say the men should have at least three days' worth of food and water.

Rescuers are continuing to try to get in contact with the miners.

The small suburban town of Georgetown, in eastern Herman County in northeastern Lial, has been shaken by the collapse. The mayor of Georgetown, Ernie Lynn, asked community members to pray for a miracle.

"I'm personally asking every member of our community to pray for a safe recovery of these men."

Rainer Valley Mine is closed, and will be closed all week, company officials told GNN NEWS.