(Pics) MOUNTAIN CAVES IN 600 FEET CAUSING FRANKLIN LIMESTONE (Lhoist) MINE COLLAPSE

More is being learned about the massive collapse inside Lhoist North America limestone mine (formerly known as Franklin Limestone) in Crab Orchard.  A large area of the mountain suddenly caved in dropping 600 feet below the top straight down into the mine.  The mine runs about 2 miles deep into the mountain with several entrances and multi-levels. The time was around 6:30 am when this occurred, all employees but a few were in a Safety Meeting. No injuries were reported. Each entrance leads into the mine with many corridors breaking left and right throughout the mine.  MSHA, the governmental organization that investigates mining accidents was on the scene today studying the collapse.  Local residences reported hearing a loud boom and a plume of lime dust bursting from the mine entrances between 6:30 and 7 am Friday morning.