Thaindian News

FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY (BNO NEWS) — Kentucky Governor Steven Beshear on Thursday confirmed that two missing miners at a western Kentucky mine were found dead.

The miners were reported missing at 10 p.m. CDT on Wednesday after a roof collapse at Alliance Coal’s Dotiki Mine near Nebo, in Hopkins County. “Today has been a terrible day for Kentucky and for our coal-mining families,” Beshear said. “I am very saddened to announce that we have lost two miners.”

The victims were identified as 28-year-old Michael Carter of Madisonville and 27-year-old Justin Travis of Dixon.

“Our entire state mourns along with their families and friends,” Beshear continued. “Despite our sadness, we must press forward to the work ahead of us – fully investigating what caused this accident and determining ways to avoid such accidents in the future.”

The two men became trapped when a section of a roof gave way approximately 500 feet underground and 24,000 feet back into the mine.

Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo also called on an investigation into the cause of the accident to avoid similar accidents in the future. “My heartfelt prayers are with the families of miners Michael Carter and Justin Travis in the roof collapse at Dotiki mine in western Kentucky,” Mongiardo said. “I know the special bond shared by Kentucky’s coal miners and I join with them on behalf of Kentuckians across the Commonwealth in praying for their friends and families.”