Miners' Families Treated "Unconscionably" Says Huntsman

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Families of six trapped miners in Huntington, Utah were treated "unconscionably" during the rescue effort, says Governor Jon Huntsman. Asked to elaborate, he would not point fingers directly:

"The federal folks did everything they could, let me just put it that way," said Huntsman. "I'm not going to get into the mine owner, other than to say that I thought the way the families were treated was unconscionable, and I think they deserve better."

Recently families of the trapped miners have been outspoken in their anger toward Crandall Canyon Mine Owner Robert Murray for his handling of the rescue effort and statements made to the media. Huntsman says he's unhappy with "how the mine rescue effort played out" and believes more could still be done to "honor the dignity" of the trapped miners and their families:

"These families deserve the very best, and if it means that resources have to be expended on the part of the company, to safely bring closure to these families, than that ought to be done," said Huntsman. "But I'm not convinced, as just one observer, that every technology has been deployed and every methodology considered for recovering these bodies."

Mine owner Murray says rescuers will drill a sixth bore hole to search for the trapped miners. If it shows no signs of life, Murray says it will be the last. It is unclear how, or if, the bodies of the trapped miners will be recovered. Murray has also called the mountain "evil" and says he plans to seal the mine.

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