Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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AP Photo/The Salt Lake Tribune, Rick EganSam Penrod and Courtney Orton Reporting
The families of the six trapped miners believe the mining company is giving up too soon and breaking its promise to rescue the men, dead or alive. Monday, three families' members shared their feelings about the last two weeks, and why no one should give up yet. Cody Allred, son of missing miner Kerry Allred, said, "I picture my dad wondering where the hell are they?"
While air samples from inside the mine have brought back negative results, the family members trust the miners know how to survive underground for weeks. Kerry Allred's brother, Steve Allred, said, "I know miners and they're tough and they don't give up easily."
They envision the miners injured, hungry, cold and in the dark, waiting for help. Cesar Sanchez, brother of Manny Sanchez, said, "Not know if they are still down there, and when are they coming to get us, and when are they going to be here?"
After Thursday's tragedy which took the lives of three men on the mine rescue team, the families understand continuing on is risky, but believe there are other methods possible to keep trying. Steve Allred said, "My brother is trapped underground and I'm hearing that they're basically giving up, and that's unacceptable. One way or the other we've got to have closure."
"We were given a promise, dead or alive those men will be with their families. Now it's, 'We can't,' or basically, 'We won't,'" said Cody Allred. "I need to see my dad, and it's going to be extremely hard to continue if I don't get to." The families believe the mine company should at least attempt to drill that 30-inch hole to send down a rescue capsule.
The full interview with family members is available by clicking the play button below. The raw video does contain mild profanity. Viewer discretion is advised.
Note: This video is approximately 42 minutes and has NOT been edited. Slight pauses (15-20 seconds) will happen due to the actual video content and not any problem with your computer or internet connection.
