Having a little freak out. Need to get a grip.

[KissesYouLikeaCoalMiner]

My husband works down a mine. He was supposed to be home about an hour ago but just had a phone call from HR to say that they are all trapped underground due to a powercut. The powercut was about 2:30pm and it's still not been restored.

I'm worried about the heat down there, will they still have enough water etc.

I'm a bit scared and I'm on the verge of a panic attack. I have my coping strategies and I'm doing them but just need someone to have a firm word and tell me to pull myself together.

Can his union raise the issue with management that they weren't able to keep you (relatives, spouses etc) better updated? I can't help feeling that they ought to have some kind of backup power down there, if only enough for communications - but then I'm not a mining engineer so maybe not possible.

However, it seems very poor on their part not to have someone staffing the phones, posting on a facebook page, or something. There must have been a group of you all having the same awful night of worry! Even if they were only updating regularly nothing had changed, you would know you were being kept in the loop. And after that fire, they must understand you'd be freaked out, however much you knew factually it wasn't the same sort of incident, and had a bit of compassion?

So great to hear this OP!

Relieved to hear your update OP... Such good news!

Hope you all get some much needed rest.

for both of you.

@KissesYouLikeaCoalMiner

He just phoned and is on his way home!

Thank God! 🙏

So pleased for you. Now you can give him a bloody great hug, and spend the day snuggled in bed I hope!

Thanks for keeping me company last night. Appreciate all the kind and calming words!

Everyone involved is safe and home now. DH was in good spirits when he got home, said everyone was fine. Thankfully doesn't have to go back to work tonight, definitely deserves the break after almost 24 hours trapped underground.

Yes, I will be complaining about the lack of communication, it should have been handled better.

Just very happy everyone is home safe and sound! Thanks again everyone!

Stupid question probably but do they have a generator down there, as a back up?

Excellent news! You and your DH must both be absolutely exhausted after that.

He and his colleagues should definitely raise the lack of regular updates with the company and the union.