Searches for Miners Continue

U.S. mining experts joined the attempt to free 65 Mexican workers trapped by gas explosions underground. Relatives' families grew more and more desperate for their loved ones and screamed at the rescue team for help and more information about the current situation.

They prayed with priests at their side and said that they are waiting for a miracle from God. Francisco Salazar, Federal Labor Secretary, assured them that the government is using all available forces in order to free the trapped miners.

Even if chances are little, officials declared that there is still hope of finding of finding survivors of the explosion at the Pasta de Conchos mine.

The miners have reserves of oxygen only for 6 hours, but officials believe that a ventilation system which pumps in fresh air is still working, even if they are not sure that the air is going where it should; oxygen tanks are scattered throughout the mine, but no one knows if the miners can reach them. It took the rescue team 40 hours in order to dig 500 yards into the mine, being about 55 yards away from where two of the nine people trapped are believed to be.

Doctors examined over a dozen workers suffering from broken bones and burns who were near the entrance and managed to escape the explosion. Consuelo Aguilar, spokeswoman for the National Miners' Union, said that an investigation was demanded for the causes of the accident.

The most recent and most awful mining disaster took place in 1969, when more than 153 people were killed; 12 people died in a similar accident near Barroteran.