– Coal miner accident excavator operation
– Governor statement coal miner excavator fatality.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A tragic incident occurred in Coal Mountain, West Virginia, on Thursday morning, resulting in the death of a coal miner. Governor Jim Justice confirmed the news, stating that the miner, identified as Virgil Paynter, lost his life while operating an excavator at the CM Energy Operations LP Surface Mine.
Governor Justice expressed his sorrow in a statement, saying, “This is truly a heartbreaking tragedy because we lost another incredible West Virginia hero. We should all be grateful for Mr. Paynter’s service, just as we should be thankful for all the miners across our state and country. We really can’t appreciate our miners enough for their work, which powers and creates steel for our homes, state, and nation. This is a tragedy beyond belief, and Cathy and I will keep this man and his loved ones in our prayers. We ask you to join us.”
While this incident marks the first coal mine death in West Virginia in 2024, it is the second coal miner fatality nationally this year, with the other occurring in Pennsylvania in January. The Associated Press reported nine coal miner deaths in the U.S. last year.
Authorities from the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training, along with the Mine Safety and Health Administration, are currently on-site at the mine and will be conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Further details surrounding the circumstances of the miner’s death have not yet been released.
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– Coal miner killed on the job
– Excavator accident governor statement.
