Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
Montcoal, Apr 6, (THAINDIAN NEWS) A West Virginia coal mine explosion on Monday has killed 7 mine workers and 19 others are reportedly missing. The explosion took place at the Upper Big Branch mine which is located 30 miles south of Charleston, in Raleigh County, at around 3 p.m. The rescue team is working hard to rescue the workers who are believed to be still alive and trapped inside the mine. The cause of the explosion is still not known.

The numbers of casualties and missing persons have been confirmed reportedly by the chief executive of the Massey Energy which owns the mine. The Chief Executive also mentioned to themedia that the company is trying hard to save the workers trapped inside the mine and is putting every possible means to do so.

The explosion happened at the time when nine workers were leaving the mine in a vehicle. While seven died on the spot, two crew men got injured badly and were rushed to the hospital. The spokeswoman of the Charleston Area Medical Center, Elizabeth Pellegrin said that one of the two crew members has been shifted to the intensive care unit.

Among the missing are two groups of nine workers and a fire boss. According to reports the officials believe that the roof of the mine has not collapsed but also added that the worker are trapped 2.5 km below the ground. According to an administrator of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, there are two rescue chambers inside the mine near the blast site. If the trapped miners can reach those chambers, there are hopes enough that they can survive the rescue time as the chamber is stocked with food, water and enough oxygen.