Four miners trapped in colliery

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15 September 2011 Last updated at 12:10 GMT Map showing area where the mine is Four men are trapped in a drift mine in the Swansea Valley.

Emergency services were called to the Gleision Colliery, near Cilybebyll, Pontardawe at 09:21 BST on Thursday.

Three others managed to escape the colliery, one of whom is being treated in hospital.

Exact details of where the four men are trapped are not yet known. The local authority has called an emergency meeting and have involved the Mines Rescue Service.

Although most mines in south Wales are now closed, there are pockets of small-scale collieries still in operation.

Gleision Colliery, in operation since 1993, works coal under a very steep hillside above the banks of the river Tawe.

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My thoughts are with all the family and friends of the those who are currently in the mine and have confidence in all the emergency services”

End Quote Gwenda Thomas Neath AM A South Wales Police spokesman confirmed: "There were seven in the mine. Three managed to get out, one of them has been taken to hospital. Four people remain in the mine."

Neath MP Peter Hain said he was deeply concerned about the incident.

"I am asking what action needs to be taken urgently by all relevant authorities to secure their safety," said Mr Hain.

Neath AM Gwenda Thomas, who is travelling back to the community, said her thoughts were with all the people involved in the incident.

Serious incident

"My thoughts are with all the family and friends of the those who are currently in the mine and have confidence in all the emergency services."

She said the point of the contact for the area is Rhos Community Centre where those affected can talk to police and specialists.

Local community councillor Richard Lewis said: "Let's hope a tragedy can be avoided and they get all the men out.

"I heard one man has gone to hospital and three or four are still trapped.

Mr Lewis said it was the second serious incident in the area in days, following the death of five-year-old Harry Patterson at Alltwen.

"We already had one tragedy up here with the little boy who died on the drive and we don't need another."

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