Rescue teams searching for survivors of the April 5 West Virginia mine explosion were forced back early Friday in the face of fire, smoke, and fear of another explosion. This setback is the latest in a series of unfortunate circumstances slowing down efforts to rescue miners believed to still be alive in the rubble of the mine.

Since Monday’s explosion, rescue teams have three times probed 1,000 feet below the surface and five miles deep but been forced back before managing to continue further. Each time, the discovery of dangerous gasses that could cause another explosion has been the reason.

At least twenty five miners were killed, but hope remains that four miners survived by making it to one of two refuge chambers located in the mine containing oxygen, food, and water. Rescuers found the first refuge chamber empty but were forced back only 500 feet from the second chamber due to explosive gasses.

The company that owns the mine was fined millions of dollars last year for inadequately managing the levels of toxic and explosive gasses in the mine. Many blame their alleged disregard towards safety precautions for the disastrous explosion. If you or someone you love has been injured in an explosion-related accident, contact the Wisconsin explosion lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. ® by calling 800-242-2874.