Footprints inside the Sago Mine in West Virginia indicate the trapped miners tried to use a mechanised mine car to force their way out after the explosion, family members of the sole survivor said.

West Virginia mining disaster survivor Randal McCloy has been responding to stimuli, but has developed a slight fever and remains in critical condition, doctors said today.

A LARGE photograph of Jerry Lee Groves in a mine sat next to his closed casket, along with dozens of flowers carrying notes of sympathy.

The lone survivor of a US coal mine explosion that killed 12 showed some encouraging signs overnight, but had not woken and was in a coma, doctors said today.

With their escape routes blocked by heavy smoke, most of the 13 miners caught in an explosion did what they were trained to do.

US president George W Bush, speaking during July 4 celebrations, said the insurgents in Iraq would fail to stop democracy in that country and US forces would stay “until the fight is won.”

US President George Bush, speaking on America’s birthday, said the insurgents in Iraq will fail to stop democracy in that country and US forces will stay “until the fight is won".