Nine US miners trapped in flooded shaft

Nine coal miners were trapped in a flooded shaft in Pennsylvania today after they apparently ruptured a nearby abandoned mine that was filled with water.

One crew of miners managed to wade to safety in water up to their necks.

The other group remained trapped as rescue workers tried to pump out the water and drill air holes near the miners’ last known location.

The last contact with the trapped miners was at about 0100 Irish time today.

‘‘It’s possible there’s quite a bit of air down there,’’ said Pennsylvania State Trooper David Holtzman. ‘‘Rescue crews really don’t know what’s going on underground right now, that’s what they’re trying to find out.’’

The Quecreek Mine is about 55 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

‘‘The water is still rising. It is a very dangerous situation,’’ Mallison said.