A federal official says rescue crews in a W.Va. mine are in danger and evacuating

Officials: rescue crews evacuating W.Va. mine

MONTCOAL, W.Va. — Officials are saying that the rescue attempt of four missing West Virginia miners has suffered a setback because crews have met dangerous levels of gases underground.

Kevin Stricklin, an administrator from the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, said Thursday that the rescue crews are in danger and they are evacuating the mine. The crews got to about 1,000 feet of a rescue chamber before they had to pull back.

Officials have slim hope the miners may have made it to the chamber, where there is food and water.

Crews began working their way by rail car and on foot through the mine earlier Thursday.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

MONTCOAL, W.Va. (AP) — Officials are saying that the rescue attempt of four missing West Virginia miners has suffered a setback because crews have met dangerous levels of gases underground.

Kevin Stricklin, an administrator from the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, said Thursday that the rescue crews are in danger and they are evacuating the mine.

Crews began working their way by rail car and on foot through the mine earlier Thursday.

It’s the worst U.S. mining disaster in a generation.