4/6/2010
MONTCOAL, W.Va. -- Gov. Joe Manchin has been on site of the mining accident since late last night. He has been briefing miner family members regularly as information is available, and conducting media interviews at Marsh Fork Elementary School following those meetings.
Gov. Manchin has spoken with President Obama and Vice President Biden and they have offered their full assistance. A representative from the office of U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis also is on site.
The next media availability is scheduled for approximately 5 p.m. on Tuesday at Marsh Fork Elementary.
"At this time, we have been able to confirm 25 fatalities with four miners unaccounted for. We are still in a full rescue operation until the remaining miners are located. Mine rescue experts are working to drill four bore holes to sample the mine air and release methane where those miners are believed to be located. We have been told by the rescue professionals that the drilling process may not be complete until as late as Wednesday evening, as they are drilling to a depth of about 1,200 feet.
"This apparently was a massive explosion and we will be gathering more facts in the days and weeks to come. Obviously, this is an incredibly difficult situation for all these miners and their families, but they are strong and represent the best of West Virginia. In times such as this, West Virginians come together like a family, and I'm am so encouraged by their bravery as we await more information."
Contact Information
Melvin Smith
304-558-3830