Rescuers suspend search for survivors in West Virginia

MONTCOAL, West Virginia, - Dangerous gases forced rescue teams on Thursday to temporarily suspend a search for survivors of a massive explosion at a West Virginia coal mine that killed at least 25 workers.

Rescuers were hopeful they would be able to reenter the Upper Big Branch mine later on Thursday evening to look for four workers missing since Monday's blast, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin told a news briefing.

Surface crews are drilling 1,100-foot (335-meter) boreholes and using exhaust fans to further ventilate the mine owned by Massey Energy.