Readers of most editions of the San Antonio Express-News were heartened by the front-page news Wednesday morning that 12 of 13 miners trapped for a day and a half in a coal mine near Tallmansville, W.Va., had been rescued.
The Express-News -- and many newspapers throughout the nation -- carried wire reports quoting West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, who told The Associated Press: "They told us they have 12 alive. We have some people who are going to need medical attention."
Tragically, that report, based on events that occurred about midnight EST, was wrong. Apparently, according to AP reports today, mine officials knew approximately 20 minutes after the good news had been reported that only one of the trapped men had a chance of living. But they waited another three hours to announce the grim news, even as family members and friends of the trapped miners celebrated.
So how did the news accounts get so discombobulated?
First, earlier reports Tuesday forewarned a dismal, if hopeful, outcome. The State edition of the Express-News carried a report with this headline -- actually a quote from Ben Hatfield, an executive with the International Coal Group, which operates the mine: " .. We need a miracle. But miracles happen!"
Later Tuesday night, when it was announced that one miner was found alive, and was taken away in an ambulance, it was reported that friends and family members rejoiced.
"Miracles happen in West Virginia and today we got one," said Charlotte Weave, whose husband Jack was one of the trapped miners. Gov. Joe Manchin gave a similar, upbeat report to the media and reporters near the scene who had been following the story. This seemingly glorious news, with quotes from happy family members, was sent out on the national news wires.
The report was premature. That grim outcome was finally announced to the folks keeping a vigil in Tallmansville about 3 a.m. EST Wednesday, and reporters at the scene corrected their earlier stories as quickly as possible.
Broadcast reporters were able to quickly correct their earlier reports, but revising a newspaper story once the presses are rolling is more difficult. That is why it is difficult to report on news and sporting events held on the West Coast in morning newspapers.
Those who read the Express-News online at MySA.com found the updated story about 2:15 a.m. Wednesday San Antonio time, said Express-News Managing Editor Brett Thacker.
"The three hours it took to correct that story was the worst three hours in the news cycle," Thacker said, explaining that the Express-News’ press run was about to wind up by the time word came of the miners’ fate. "This is an unfortunate situation all the way around. When the governor proclaimed that the rescue was successful, that's about as credible a source as there is.
"This newspaper and many others were victims of this miscommunication, but in the grand scheme, that's nothing compared to the cruel twist of fate that was inflicted upon the family members of the miners."
