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Alarm First Sign Of Problem At West Virginia Mine

Massey Energy chief Don Blankenship says a carbon monoxide warning was the first hint of trouble at a West Virginia coal mine where 25 miners have died.

Blankenship told The Associated Press on Tuesday that mine crews were checking on the alarm when they discovered that an explosion had occurred deep inside the mine.

There were 61 miners in the mine at the time, and four are missing. Rescue efforts are currently on hold because of elevated methane and carbon monoxide readings.

To help ventilate the mine, crews hope to drill three holes more than 1,000 feet into the void.
Blankenship says he doesn't believe the holes can be drilled by Tuesday.

This program aired on April 6, 2010. The audio for this program is not available.

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