Three Rescued From Tennessee Mine

BY ENJOLI FRANCIS

Dec. 28, 2011

The Young mine is seen in New Market, Tenn., Dec. 28, 2011. A fire broke out inside the zinc mine, trapping three miners inside and injuring two others, authorities said. (J. Miles Cary/Knoxville News Sentinel/AP)

Three miners are now safe after being rescued from a Tennessee zinc mine this afternoon, officials say.

A blaze swept the Young Mine in New Market, Tenn., around 1 p.m. today after a drilling rig reportedly caught fire. Fifty-four miners -- members of a utility crew -- were in the mine at the time. According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, two miners were transported to Jefferson Memorial Hospital for minor smoke inhalation.

J. Miles Cary/Knoxville News Sentinel/AP

The Young mine is seen in New Market, Tenn.,... View Full Size

J. Miles Cary/Knoxville News Sentinel/AP

The Young mine is seen in New Market, Tenn., Dec. 28, 2011. A fire broke out inside the zinc mine, trapping three miners inside and injuring two others, authorities said.

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The Young Mine is one of three in Jefferson County operated by Nyrstar. A company operations manager said an investigation had been started.

New Market Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Sammy Solomon said the three men were 1,200 feet in a safe area trapped by smoke. Before the trio was rescued, they were in radio contact with those above ground and had been receiving air.

They all are reportedly doing fine.