Miners Trapped In WV Coal Mine

[cappuccina]

...I was discussing it with my kids this morning before school...we all said we have nothing to complain about...mining is still one of the most thankless and dangerous jobs...The poor woman who said that her husband took this job so that he could make decent money and be home with the kids on his off-shifts so she could go to school - that he was supportive of her going back to school...This just breaks my heart...

 

[christine2448]

I would think Mining would be in the Top of the list for most dangerous jobs, but it was not:

http://money.cnn.com/2005/08/26/pf/jobs_jeopardy/

 

[Sassygerl]

There's not really any new news to report. The rescuers are working faster than the robot. The robot was getting stuck in the mud, etc. Drilling to begin again at 2 pm (I assume eastern?)

The mine was cited 208 times in 2005 for alleged safety violations.

 

[gamegirl]

The news conference also indicated:

1) slow forward progress because of air safety data collection and trying to keep the clean air moving foward which means at times blocking some entries (which just mean into the various tunnels within the mine) to keep the clean air moving the direction they need it to

2) a return to press room approximately 3-330p unless there is vital news prior to that time.

 

[christine2448]

There's not really any new news to report. The rescuers are working faster than the robot. The robot was getting stuck in the mud, etc. Drilling to begin again at 2 pm (I assume eastern?)

The mine was cited 208 times in 2005 for alleged safety violations.

Thanks.

 

[christine2448]

The news conference also indicated:

1) slow forward progress because of air safety data collection and trying to keep the clean air moving foward which means at times blocking some entries (which just mean into the various tunnels within the mine) to keep the clean air moving the direction they need it to

2) a return to press room approximately 3-330p unless there is vital news prior to that time.

Thanks for the info.

 

[gamegirl]

A partial list of miners trapped:


Alby Martin Bennett, 50, of Buckhannon

Jim Bennett, 61, of Philippi

Junior Hamner of Gladyfork, age unavailable

Terry Helms, 48, of Newberg

David Lewis, 28, of Philippi

Randal McCloy, 27, of Simpson

Fred Ware Jr., 59, of Tallmansville

Jack Weaver, 52, of Philippi

Marshall Winans, 49, of Talbert

More prayers to the families of these 9 men as well as to those who have not been publically identified.

 

[KatherineQ]

Prayers for a miracle.

From CNN, a photo of Hilda Bankhead awaiting news of her nephew:
http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2006/US/01/03/mine.explosion/story.womantues.ap.jpg

 

[Lesleegp]

I grew up in western Virginia....on the border of West Virginia and had many many family friends that worked in the coal mines. Our church used to go on summer trips to these areas to have Vacation Bible School's for the kids. We had a blast. I feel so bad for these families.......I am praying so hard for a miracle.

 

[Buzz Mills]

With the resurgence of coal mining, due to the rise in fossil fuel prices, this situation could be repeating itself all to often, as old mines are brought back online. The coal mining industry, although safety practices have improved immensely, is still one where many hazards slip through the crack. The industry, has always been one, where the jobs are so badly needed, that that factor sometimes outweighs the amount the coal companies would need to spend, to make the mines safer. It's an industry fraught with danger.

 

[Sassygerl]

Next news conf pushed back to 5 pm Eastern. I am praying for a miracle!

 

[michelle]

Next news conf pushed back to 5 pm Eastern. I am praying for a miracle!

i am praying to this is so freaking sad......Just your everday joe trying to make a living, i hate hearing these stories....

 

[scandi]

I haven't seen any shots on TV that show the entrance to the mine. Does it look like the entrance to a tunnel, faced with stone?

Thanks, Scandi

 

[Lesleegp]

I haven't seen any shots on TV that show the entrance to the mine. Does it look like the entrance to a tunnel, faced with stone?

Thanks, Scandi

I saw the entrance on one of the major networks. It is just an opening back in to the earth....I didn't see rock or stone work......nothing elaborate at all. Just grass and muck......

 

[Sassygerl]

I saw an opening that didn't look very big at all until I saw a miner walking out. He was able to stand. (maybe 20 ft by 8 ft or so???).....you could see the tracks going into the mine for them to ride their sled things.

 

[englishleigh]

I am praying for a miracle but I'm so afraid this one will not end well.... :**(

 

[PrayersForMaura]

Efforts to Find Miners Become Desperate

TALLMANSVILLE, W.Va. - Rescuers pushed deeper into a mineshaft in a desperate search for 13 trapped coal miners Tuesday, but the prospects of finding anyone alive appeared bleak after holes drilled into the ground yielded deadly levels of carbon monoxide and no signs of life.
Gov. Joe Manchin urged West Virginians to "believe in miracles," and added: "It's going to take a miracle, I think."

The men, trapped 260 feet down by an explosion Monday morning in the Sago Mine, were believed to be about 12,000 feet past the opening of the shaft. By midday Tuesday, more than 30 hours after the blast, rescue teams had penetrated 10,200 feet, working their way on foot for fear machinery might cause volatile gases to explode.

More: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060103/ap_on_re_us/mine_explosion_59

 

[michelle]

I am praying for a miracle but I'm so afraid this one will not end well.... :**(

I am praying with ya!!!

 

[scandi]

Thanks guys. If I owned a mine I would mark the entrance with a small dome faced with stone to deliniate it and give it strength, hopefully the stone giving good Karma. I'd probably go broke right away! LOL

Scandi

 

[Anngelique]

I pray that these men did not have to suffer. I have a great fear of being buried alive. Just the thought of these men being buried underground sends shivers up my spine and an irrational fear through my core. God bless them and their families.