12 US miners found alive - one in critical condition

Twelve miners caught in an explosion in a West Virginia coal mine were miraculously found alive more than 41 hours after a blast that ultimately claimed the life of another miner, the governor said.

Bells at a church where relatives had been gathering in Sago rang out as family members ran out screaming in jubilation. Relatives yelled “They’re alive!” “They told us they have 12 alive,” Gov. Joe Manchin said.

“We have some people that are going to need some medical attention.” One of the 12 was listed in critical condition early today at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon, according to hospital spokeswoman Lisa Turner. The condition of the other 11 was not immediately known.

Several ambulances flashing red lights were parked at the mine entrance. At least one ambulance left the scene.

Mine officials earlier found extremely dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the part of the mine where the men where believed to have been. Carbon monoxide can be lethal at high doses.