Mine Rescuers Test for Explosive Gas

Rescuers in the search for 29 New Zealand miners will drill a 6-inch hole through 500 feet of rock to allow tests for explosive gas, as the rescue operations gets under way once again. The rescue effort at a New Zealand mine that exploded Friday had been on hold because workers feared a second blast, since the mine is known to leak methane gas. The hole that will allow tests for methane will be drilled over the next 16 to 24 hours. The trapped men range from a 17-year old believed to be on his first shift to a 62-year-old veteran of the job. “We will still look for that window of opportunity to get underground and get those men out," said the regional police commander. "We still remain positive and we believe that once that window of opportunity opens, we are ready to go."