1. Fatal accident involving coal miner operating excavator
2. Governor confirms death of coal miner in excavator incident.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
COAL MOUNTAIN, W.Va. (WVVA/Gray News) – The mining community in West Virginia is mourning the loss of Virgil Paynter, a dedicated coal miner who tragically lost his life in a workplace accident at the CM Energy Operations LP Surface Mine in Coal Mountain.
Governor Jim Justice expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, “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.”
This unfortunate event marks the first coal mine fatality in West Virginia in 2024, with the only other incident occurring in January in Pennsylvania. According to the Associated Press, there were a total of nine coal miner deaths in the United States last year.
Authorities from the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training, alongside the Mine Safety and Health Administration, are currently on-site at the mine to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Paynter’s death.
Details regarding the incident have not been disclosed at this time, as the investigation is ongoing. The mining community and the state of West Virginia are coming together to support the family and loved ones of Virgil Paynter during this difficult time.
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1. Coal miner killed on the job excavator operation
2. Governor statement coal miner fatality excavator operation.
