Wednesday, January 04, 2006

West Virginia Miners

Heartbreaking news early this morning out of West Virginia: late last night there was jubilation as word spread that 12 of the miners were miraculously still alive.

Friends and relatives erupted in cheers and the town's church bells began ringing as word of the 12 miners' rescue became known.

"Believe in miracles," said West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, who had expressed optimism throughout the ordeal.

"Twelve miners alive," said Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-West Virginia. She said she did not know where the 12 were found or their condition.

The mood, she said, was of "jubilation, incredible happiness, unspeakable joy."

But CNN now says, "Despite earlier reports, family members in West Virginia now say only one trapped miner brought out alive. All 12 others dead."