Whether you work in an office or outside, there are always potential risks present.  However, when an accident does occur, it truly is inner strength that gets the human will through the most perilous situations.  According to Insurance Journal, three men spent more than half a day trapped underground in a flooded southeastern Kentucky coal mine and thankfully, they all survived.

The three maintenance workers were caught in the mine at 6:40 a.m., when officials said a collapse at the entrance sent water from a drainage ditch gushing in.  The men were nearing the end of their shift when it happened, said Eddie Starks, an official with the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration.  Starks said the men used their helmet-mounted headlamps one at a time to conserve power.  Up to 50 rescue workers worked to free them. 

Crews spent the day pumping water out of the mine, providing the men with the ability to safely walk out.  They had spent their time 600 feet underground in a dry location and had access to food and blankets.  The men were freed on Monday at 8:22 p.m., said Dick Brown, spokesman for the state Energy and Environment Cabinet.  Family members were happy to see their loved ones once they were released from the hospital.  U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said the “swift and persistent action” by the company and state, local, and federal employees ended the day with a positive result.