Trapped miners have slim chance of survival
( 2003-10-22 09:50) (Xinhua)
Seven workers trapped in a flooded coal mine in northwest China's Xinjiang
Uygur Autonomous Region have little chance of survival although the rescue
operation is continuing, local officials said Tuesday.
The high concentration of gas and serious flooding in the mine was very
dangerous and prevented rescuers from getting into the mine, said Bian Deyun, an
official with the regional supervision bureau on coal mine safety.
About 1,600 cubic meters of water have been pumped out, but nearly 2,000
cubic meters were left in the mine and an examination showed that the gas
content was hovering around two percent, said Bian.
The accident occurred at 7:10 a.m. Sunday in the Xishan Coal Mine, Urumqi,
when 14 people were working 420 meters underground. Seven escaped.
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