Toxic Gas Levels Likely Fatal To Mexican Miners, Firm Says

Toxic Gas Levels Likely Fatal To Mexican Miners, Firm Says

by Associated Press, SAN JUAN DE SABINAS, Mexico,

26th February 2006

Toxic gas levels inside a northern Mexican coal mine are too high for any of the 65 miners trapped inside to have survived an explosion nearly a week ago, the mining company said Saturday.

The government and scientists had previously said that there was little hope that any of those missing would be found alive. A new analysis of underground air showed it was too poisonous to breathe, said Javier Garcia, president of Industrial Minera Mexico, a subsidiary of mining company Grupo Mexico S.A. de C.V.

Holes were drilled into the mine Saturday to release toxic gases, and a team of foreign experts helped to analyze the results.Conditions in the mine aren't expected to be safe enough to recover the bodies at least until Sunday.

Rescuers had been ordered to stop efforts Friday because of concerns over the air inside the mine, 85 miles southwest of the U.S. border at Eagle Pass, Tex.