TALLMANSVILLE, West Virginia (AP):
WITH THEIR escape routes blocked by heavy smoke, most of the 13 miners caught in an explosion did what they were trained to do: they retreated deeper into the mine and hung a curtain-like barrier to keep out toxic gases while they waited for rescuers to find them, officials said.
All but one were found dead more than a day and half after the blast.
The miners' families learned of the 12 deaths during a torturous night in which they were mistakenly told at first that 12 of the men were alive. It took three hours before the families were told the truth, and their joy turned instantly to fury, with one man lunging at coal company officials.
The deadliest U.S. coal mining accident in more than four years began with an explosion 260 feet (80 metres) underground early Monday that federal investigators have yet to explain. But coal mine explosions are typically caused by build-ups of naturally occurring methane gas or highly combustible coal dust in the air.
Families of the victims are considering legal action, said Amber Helms, whose father, fire boss Terry Helms, was among those killed.
"It's the biggest thing that's going to happen after these miners are put to rest," she said Thursday on NBC's 'Today'.
