Nine Quecreek, Pennsylvania coal miners trapped more than 240 feet underground since last Wednesday were rescued early yesterday morning, the result of a successful three-day operation that captivated the nation. On Wednesday night, the miners unexpectedly drilled into an abandoned mine that was thought to be several hundred feet from where they were working. Water that had accumulated in the deserted shaft since its close fifty years earlier spilled into the Quecreek mine trapping the nine workers.

By reviewing maps and charts of the area, engineers estimated the location of an incline where the miners might have sought safety from the flooding. A six-inch air pipe was lowered into the area early Thursday. The trapped miners tapped on the pipe, indicating that all nine were still alive. A 1,500-pound carbide drill was then used to penetrate the air pocket where the miners had huddled together to keep warm. The drill reached the miners around 10:00 p.m. Saturday night, and a rescue capsule was sent down to bring all nine men to the surface.

Investigators plan to question the mine's owner to determine why charts did not reveal the proximity of the abandoned mine.