Keeping Hope Alive

Rescue crews have drilled the first of four holes meant to gauge the air in Upper Big Branch Mine and pump out the toxic gas that has kept them out since late Monday, The Associated Press reports.

While rescuers got no response to signals sent down that initial bore shaft, Gov. Joe Manchin noted that the nearest rescue chamber is about a football field's length away from where the drill punched through the mine section.

Manchin said they hope to assess the air quality between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Once rescuers can re-enter the mine, it is expected to take several hours to reach where survivors may have sought refuge.

AP also reports separately on the track record of the mine and its owner, Massey Energy Co.