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CNN Live At Daybreak

Nine Miners Trapped Following Cave-In

Aired July 25, 2002 - 05:15   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We have a developing story this morning. At least nine miners are trapped about 300 feet underground following a cave-in.

Trooper David Holtzman of the Pennsylvania State Police joins us now on the phone.

Thank you very much for being with us.

David, what can you tell us about what is the latest from the scene right now?

TROOPER DAVID HOLTZMAN, PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE: I can tell you that this incident started last evening on the 24th, approximately 8:50 p.m. when the mine started to flood. There were two crews in the mine at the time. The first crew got out safely. The second crew, consisting of the nine miners, became trapped below in the flood waters and a possible cave-in. They're still underground at this time, approximately 300 foot.

COOPER: How are you trying to get them out right now? What is happening right now on the scene?

HOLTZMAN: We have crews from state and federal agencies that are there, rescue crews that are specially trained in this type of operation. And they've brought drilling equipment in from about four hours away into the area to drill air holes into the shafts and so forth and try to pump air into where these people were supposed to be.

COOPER: You say the problem is water. Water was pouring into the mine. I mean what is the biggest threat to the people who are trapped underground right now? Is it from the water? Is it drowning?

HOLTZMAN: That's unclear because of the way that the different shafts run underground. They're not sure where the water is going. The first crew that got out was in water when they were coming out. It's unclear where the trapped crew is. It's possible that there's quite a bit of air down there. They really don't know what's going on underground right now. That's what they're trying to find out.

COOPER: You also mentioned that they're trying to get more air in, down into the shaft. In order to get these people out, is it a question of trying to get rid of the water or is it a question of basically digging another shaft down to the miners? HOLTZMAN: It's my understanding that the equipment they have can drill a hole that's large enough to pull a person up out of the ground on some type of hoist. So once they drill the holes and find out where the miners are, it's possible that they can pull them out that way, instead of digging a complete shaft.

COOPER: All right, David Holtzman, a trooper with the Pennsylvania State police.

Thanks very much for joining us this morning with the latest.

Just for those who are just joining, nine miners trapped 300 feet underground in a mine in Pennsylvania following -- a story we will be following all morning long.

Thanks very much, Trooper Holtzman.

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