Dangerous gases halt rescue in West Virginia mine

The death toll from an explosion Monday in a West Virginia coal mine has reached 25. The explosion took place at Upper Big Branch South Mine in Whitesville, West Virgnia. Today, officials had to suspend rescue operations because of unsafe levels of methane gas. Kevin Stricklin, from the US Mine Safety and Health Administration said that after the conditions are safe, the rescue team will re-enter the mine. Four miners are still missing.

"Basically all we have left is hope and we’re going to continue what we can do to get in there, but I want to be honest with everybody and say that the situation does look dire."

US Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis released a statement today saying that the Mine Safety and Health Administration would investigate the explosion. The mining company, Massey Energy Company, is one of the largest in the region. According to the Associated Press, federal investigators have fined the company $382,000 in the past year for repeated serious violations at the location.

White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs, was asked today about Massey's past violations, but he said that the focus right now is on rescue and recovery.

"The Department of Labor Mine Safety Division and FEMA both have dispatched teams. They are there. The President, as you know, spoke with Governor Manchin yesterday evening,  pledged our full support and cooperation in the investigation and that is currently ongoing."