Two miners have died following the collapse of a roof at a mine near Wharton, W. Va., according to West Virginia state police, according to local media.
The accident occurred at the Brody Mine #1 in Boone County, in the southwest part of the state,according to WBOY-TV were sent to the mine at 10 p.m. Monday. WCHS-TV also reported the deaths.
According to WOWK-TV the mine had received 253 “significant and substantial” violations from the U.S. government’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) during a 12-month review, which ended last August.
The MSHA report says the violations show the mine had a disregard for the health and safety of its miners at the time the violations were issued.
Secretary of State Natalie Tennant called for an investigation into the cause of the collapse in the center of the state.
“As we learn more details, our first priority is ensuring the safe rescue and recovery of everyone involved and comforting the families in Boone County,” Tennant said in a statement, as quoted by Reuters..
In March last year Patriot Coal filed for bankruptcy seeking to modify collective bargaining agreements and retiree healthcare benefits.
The company runs 11 active mining complexes in Appalachia and the Illinois Basin and controls 1.8 billion tons of proven and probable coal reserves.
Agencies/Canadajournal
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