US investigators removed data recorders from a train that derailed and burst into flames over a bridge in south-western Pennsylvania as ethanol tanker carriages continued to burn today.

TIME was running out last night to pull nine trapped miners from a 240ft watery shaft after rescue efforts were delayed when a giant drill bit broke.

Rescuers trying to reach a group of US coal miners trapped 240ft down an underground shaft have drilled 100ft towards the chamber.

Faint tapping from 300ft underground has raised hopes that nine Pennsylvania coal miners may still be alive after they became trapped in a flooded shaft.