Three rescue workers killed at Utah mine

A disastrous cave-in killed three US rescue workers and injured at least six others who were trying to tunnel through rubble to reach six trapped miners in Utah, authorities said.

Mining officials are now considering whether to suspend the rescue effort.

It was a shocking setback on the 11th day of the effort to find miners who have been confined at least 1,500 feet below ground at the Crandall Canyon mine near Huntington. It’s unknown if the six are alive or dead.

Six of the injured rescuers were taken to Castleview Hospital in Price.

The workers suffered injuries to the head and chest as well as cuts and scrapes, said Rich Kulczewski, spokesman for the US Department of Labour.

Officials said the cave-in was caused by a mountain bump, which commonly refers to pressure inside the mine that shoots coal from the walls with great force.