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4 missing US miners dead; final toll at 29

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-04-10 13:03

4 missing US miners dead; final toll at 29

Miner Brian Lemon waits around near the Upper Big Branch Mine in Montcoal, West Virginia, April 8, 2010. [Agencies]

MONTCOAL, W.Va.: Authorities say crews have found the bodies of four miners missing nearly a week since an explosion at a West Virginia coal mine, bringing the death toll to 29.

Officials say the mission now is to recover all 22 bodies still inside the Upper Big Branch mine 30 miles of Charleston.

The new deaths mean it is the worst coal mine disaster in the US since 1970 when 38 were killed at Finley Coal Co. in Hyden, Ky.

Authorities said early Saturday that they will start bringing out the bodies so they can be identified. Seven bodies were recovered soon after Monday's blast. The first funerals were held on Friday.

Mourners hold a candle light vigil for the 25 coal miners who were killed and four who are still missing in the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion in Whitesville, West Virginia April 7, 2010. [Agencies]