MSHA: 7 killed in underground blast were leaving W.Va. mine; communication lines destroyed
By Lawrence Messina, APMonday, April 5, 2010
MSHA: 7 killed in blast were leaving W.Va. mine
MONTCOAL, W.Va. — Mine safety officials say the seven miners killed inside a West Virginia coal mine were leaving the site in a vehicle when an explosion occurred.
Kevin Stricklin, an administrator with the Mine Safety and Health Administration, says two other men on the vehicle were hurt. Stricklin says there are 19 others unaccounted for, including two crews of nine workers and a fireboss who had been working alone.
The explosion destroyed all communication lines inside the mine.
Stricklin says there are two rescue chambers near the blast site that, if the trapped miners can reach them, are stocked with food, water and enough air to survive four days.
Stricklin says officials don’t believe there was a roof collapse, but they don’t yet know what caused the explosion.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
MONTCOAL, W.Va. (AP) — Mine safety officials say the seven miners killed inside a West Virginia coal mine were leaving the site in a vehicle when an explosion occurred.
Kevin Stricklin, an administrator with the Mine Safety and Health Administration, says two other men on the vehicle were hurt. Stricklin says there are 19 others unaccounted for, including two crews of nine workers and a fireboss who had been working alone.
The explosion destroyed all communication lines inside the mine.
Stricklin says there are two rescue chambers near the blast site that, if the trapped miners can reach them, are stocked with food, water and enough air to survive four days.
Stricklin says officials don’t believe there was a roof collapse, but they don’t yet know what caused the explosion.
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