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Tom Callan reportingStay out! Stay alive! The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) launches a national awareness campaign about the dangers of playing on mine property.
Ten people have been killed in the last three decades entering abandoned mines in Utah. Jim Springer with the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining says there are more empty, hollow mines out there than anyone can count.
"Somewhere between 17 and 20,000 abandoned mines in the state of Utah," he said.
He says the dangers include bears, snakes, little or no oxygen, or explosives that may have been left in place.
"Dynamite left in place for many years turns very unstable," Springer said.
He advises, "Stay out and stay alive."
E-mail: tcallan@ksl.com
