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Exploring Abandoned Mines Can Be Dangerous! Without the proper equipment, experience and attitude, exploring abandoned mines can be more than dangerous, it can be fatal. However, despite what the government would have you believe with their "Stay Out, Stay Alive" program, going into an abandoned mine will not automatically result in death or injury. From 2000 to 2008, thirteen people have died in mine related accidents in California. Of those thirteen, three were off-roading in restricted areas and five were overcome by fumes while running a gas powered generator or pump in a mine without proper ventilation. One person drowned while swimming in a water filled open pit mine and another man died after he walked into a mine adit without a flashlight (or any other gear) and fell down a shaft hidden in the darkness. Three people died while actually exploring mines. Two died of asphyxiation after they foolishly swam past a flooded section of mine only to discover the open space beyond it contained no oxygen. Another person died after running out of air while scuba diving (presumably alone) in a submerged shaft. All of these deaths could have been prevented with a little care, preparation and good dose of common sense. As in other forms of potentially hazardous recreation, the ill prepared and foolish often fare the worst. For properly equipped and prepared mine explorers, the drive to and from the mine is more dangerous than the mine itself. Even the government admits that the majority of accidents involve people who are unprepared. |