Bodies of missing miners found bringing Upper Big Branch death toll to 29
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A drained Gov. Joe Manchin looks on as Rep. Nick Rahall added his condolences and thanks to all the rescue efforts at the final briefing early Saturday morning. |
April 10, 2010 ·
It will be known as the Upper Big Branch mine disaster.
With 29 dead, Monday's mine explosion in Raleigh County is the worst mining disaster in a generation.
Governor Manchin: "We did not receive the miracle that we prayed for. We have accounted for four miners that have been unaccounted for. We have a total of 29 brave miners whom we are recovering at this time."
Governor Manchin broke the news just before one o'clock this morning. The bodies of the four miners who have been unaccounted for since Monday's methane gas explosion had been found.
Manchin: "None of the chambers had been deployed. None of our miners suffered. This journey has ended. And now the healing will start."
MSHA's Kevin Stricklin says the bodies of the missing miners had not been seen by rescue crews that entered the mine after the explosion on Monday due to the amount of dust and smoke in the mine.