3 men trapped in southeastern Kentucky mine OK

MIDDLESBORO, Ky. – A spokeswoman for the Mine Safety and Health Administration says crews are pumping 1,100 gallons of water per minute from a mine where three Kentucky coal miners have been trapped all day.

Amy Louviere (LOO'-vee-air) says none of the miners were harmed Monday and they have moved to dry ground. Richmond, Va.-based James River Coal owns the mine that is operated by Bell County Coal. She says the miners have been in constant contact with officials on the surface.

Their families have gathered in Middlesboro near the site where they are being briefed on the conditions of Parnell Witherspoon, Doug Warren and Russell Asher.

They became trapped in the southeastern Kentucky mine when a portion of the entrance collapsed. Water began pouring in from a drainage ditch swollen with heavy overnight rains.