By Associated Press
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A state spokesman says the three men trapped inside an underground coal mine in southeastern Kentucky for at least eight hours are still doing well.
Dick Brown, spokesman for the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, said the soonest the miners could be rescued is early Monday evening.
A state-trained mine rescue team is on the scene in Bell County where the miners became trapped when a portion of the entrance collapsed and water began pouring in from a drainage ditch. The area was hit with heavy rains overnight.
Amy Louviere says none of the miners were harmed and they have moved to dry ground within mine, owned by Richmond, Va.-based James River Coal. She says they have been in continuous contact with officials on the surface.