West Virginia Coal Mine Disaster: Funerals Begin as Hope Dwindles

April 9, 2010— -- This has been a week filled with desperate anguish for the families of the miners trapped in West Virginia's Upper Big Branch mine. Several times this week, rescuers carrying oxygen tanks TEXT were able to go into the mine to seek the lost loved ones, only to be turned back after dangerous conditions were detected.

Many of the families have been sitting vigil since Monday, hoping – and praying – for a miracle.

Early this morning, rescue teams almost reached the shelter deep inside the mine that is a potential refuge for the imperiled miners only to be thwarted by a new obstacle – smoke.

The discovery led authorities to believe a fire is still burning, and may have been smoldering for four days now after the explosion. Such a fire is highly unusual and may be a sign that the lethal methane gas has mixed with other gases or has not been effectively ventilated.

"We have to do what we think is right, and unfortunately, in this case it may not be getting to that refuge chamber," said Kevin Stricklin, the coal administrator from the Mine Safety & Health Administration.

Above ground, crews immediately began pumping nitrogen into the mine in an attempt to eliminate the oxygen fueling the underground fire.

Today, President Obama spoke of the courage of the families here, including the Davis family.