3 miners trapped in mine in southeastern Kentucky

MIDDLESBORO, Ky.  A spokeswoman for the Mine Safety and Health Administration says crews are pumping 1,100 gallons of water per minute from a mine where three Kentucky coal miners have been trapped for hours.

Amy Louviere (LOO'-vee-air) says none of the miners were harmed Monday and they have moved to dry ground within the mine. It is owned by Richmond, Va.-based James River Coal and operated by Bell County Coal. She says the miners have been in constant contact with officials on the surface.

Their families have gathered in Middlesboro near the mine site where they are being briefed on their loved ones' conditions.

The miners became trapped in the southeastern Kentucky mine when a portion of the entrance collapsed about 6:40 a.m. EDT. Water began pouring in from a drainage ditch swollen with heavy overnight rains.(AP)