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Two Miners Die After Being Trapped
By: Associated Press
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State and federal officials say two workers who were trapped when the ground failed at a West Virginia mine with a history of safety violations have died.
Federal and state safety agencies say the incident occurred about 8:45 p.m. Monday at Brody Mine No. 1 in Boone County, about 50 miles south of Charleston.
The state Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training identifies the workers as Eric D. Legg, 48, of Twilight and Gary P. Hensley, 46, of Chapmanville.
No additional injuries or trapped workers are reported.
The state agency says preliminary indications show a coal burst was responsible but provided no other details.
In a statement, mine owner Patriot Coal confirmed the deaths and said a coal burst was the cause.
The company didn't respond to emails or calls about the incident or the mine's safety record.