'Discouraging' air tests in mine where 13 workers are trapped

Rescuers trying to reach 13 trapped US miners punched a hole into the mine early today, but a company executive said he was “very discouraged” by air quality tests.

Carbon monoxide levels measured 1,300 parts per million, exceeding the 400 parts per million maximum level that sustains life, said Ben Hatfield, chief executive officer of mine owner International Coal Group.