NZ Mine Rescuers to Send in Robot

With rescue attempts stymied by toxic gas levels, officials attempting to save 29 miners trapped in a New Zealand mine are preparing to send in a robot. The high-tech android will be able to assess levels of gas and even snap pictures for people back at ground level—and has been upgraded to avoid creating explosive sparks. Another effort is being made to drill a hole into the mine that will allow more air samples; that’s expected to be complete on Monday afternoon. More than three days since the cave-in, rescuers have not made any contact with the trapped miners. “The situation remains grave and every effort is being made to carry out a rescue,” said Gary Knowles, chief of the rescue effort.