LAWRENCE MESSINA and VICKI SMITH
Associated Press Writers
MONTCOAL, W.Va. – Rescuers running on adrenaline waited Thursday for a massive drill to vent noxious gas so they could safely resume the underground search for four coal miners missing in an explosion that killed 25 colleagues.
They had spent more than four hours working their way through the Upper Big Branch mine by rail car and on foot, but had to turn back because of an explosive mix of gases in the area they needed to search.
Crews at the surface resumed drilling in an effort to get fresh air into the mine and hoped 32 rescuers could return by about 7 p.m.