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Mine Rescue Effort Called Off

Posted Aug 17, 2007 8:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – The search for the six men trapped in a collapsed Utah mine for the last 12 days has been halted indefinitely after a seismic "bump" at 6:39 PM yesterday caused a second cave-in, killing three rescuers, injuring six, and highlighting that the Crandall Canyon mine remains fraught with danger.

Utah Governor Jon Huntsman insisted mine owner Bob Murray halt the rescue efforts until "certain guarantees" of worker safety could be established, reports the Salt Lake Tribune. "It has gone from a tragedy to a catastrophe," said the governor. "All I ask on behalf of all Utahans is that we have no more injuries. We have had enough."

[Images (5)]

[Videos (1)]

Health Administration, drops his head during a news conference at the entrance to the Crandall Canyon Mine, Friday, Aug. 17, 2007, in Huntington, Utah. The desperate underground drive to reach six... (Associated Press)

Health Administration, drops his head as he stands next to Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman during a news conference at the entrance to the Crandall Canyon Mine, Friday, Aug. 17, 2007, in northwest of Huntington,... (Associated Press)

An ambulance leaves the Crandall Canyon Mine where rescue efforts are being discontinued after additional fatalities (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (Associated Press)

Friends and family of those injured Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007, in a cave-in at the Crandall Canyon mine wait outside Castleview Hospital in Price, Utah. The injured were rescue workers who were trying to... (Associated Press)

Health Administration, speaks during a news conference at the entrance to the Crandall Canyon Mine, Friday, Aug. 17, 2007, in Huntington, Utah. The desperate underground drive to reach six trapped miners... (Associated Press)

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