Rescue efforts initially were halted on the day of the explosion because of lethal levels of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane gas – thought to be the cause of the explosion – building up in the mine. Holes were drilled to release the gases and four, eight-member rescue teams were able to enter the mine early in the morning of April 8. They’ve turned back, however, because of deteriorating air quality that is creating an explosive atmosphere in the mine.
Families of the missing miners continue to hold out hope that they were able to reach a “safe” room, stocked with enough food, air and supplies to keep 15 miners alive for 96 hours.