[Sundae]

I have no understanding of mining today, but it used to be an appalling occupation. Tiny spaces, hard physical work in cramped conditions, dangerous circumstances and low pay. Men went down the mines because that was the only job available.

Miners lied in order to sign up (mining being a protected/ reserved profession) in WWII because they figured their chances were better above ground than below.

Blasts, explosions, floods, "bad air" (poisonous gases), cave ins, equipment failure etc etc. There is a lot can go wrong down there, mining something noted for its propensity to burn.

I have a feeling that the report of the first divers sent to survey the scene probably made authorities realise that none of them could have survived. Hence announcing a death without a name. I'm sure the immediate families had already been briefed to expect the worst.