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US coal mine collapse traps six US coal mine collapse traps six
(about 3 hours later)
Rescue teams are working to free six miners trapped after a tunnel in a coal mine collapsed in the western US state of Utah, local authorities said. Rescue teams are working to free six miners trapped after a tunnel in a coal mine gave way in the western US state of Utah, local authorities said.
The incident is believed to have been triggered by a 4.0 magnitude quake, which struck a few miles away. The collapse at the Genwal mine at about 0400 (0900 GMT) was so powerful it was mistaken for a small earthquake.
The GenWal mine reported a "cave-in" at about 0400 (0900 GMT) - about an hour after the quake was registered. Scientists later said a 4.0 magnitude seismic recording was actually caused by the disturbance at the mine, the Associated Press news agency said.
The mine is reported to be operated by Utah American Energy, and is located about 225km from Salt Lake City. The mine is 140 miles (225km) south of Salt Lake City.
There were no other reports of injuries or damage caused by the earthquake. Emery County sheriff's office said: "Rescue workers are on scene trying to locate six miners that are unaccounted for."
"Rescue workers are on scene trying to locate six miners that are unaccounted for," the Emery County sheriff's office said. No contact had yet been made with the miners, who were thought to be 1,500ft (457m) below ground.
The US Geological Survey said the earthquake occurred at 0248 (0848 GMT). About one hour later, the incident at the mine, near the town of Huntington, was reported to the sheriff's office.
Authorities have been unable to confirm the number of workers underground at the time of the collapse.Authorities have been unable to confirm the number of workers underground at the time of the collapse.
However, the men were believed to be up to 3,000ft (900m) underground, local radio quoted the local sheriff's office as saying. Walter Arabasz, director of the University of Utah seismography stations, told AP news agency: "There is no evidence that the earthquake triggered the mine collapse."
The mine where the accident happened is run by Utah American Energy and is close to the town of Huntington.
At least half a dozen other mine collapses since 1995 have caused similar seismic waves.
One in south-western Wyoming had a magnitude of 5.4.