By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
EMS Crews were dispatched to the Mettiki Coal owned Mountain View Mine northeast of Davis on Route 48 at 1:39 a.m. Thursday, November 6th, according to reports. A second crew was dispatched to the scene at 2:08 a.m. with one victim life flighted from the scene.
Another victim died due to injuries sustained in the accident, according to reports. That victim was later identified as 24 year old Joey Mitchell, Jr.
The evening of the accident, State Senate President Randy Smith made an appearance at a Town Hall meeting in Parsons. Smith was a 44 year veteran of Mettiki Coal. Smith sent his condolences to the family and said that he had worked with Mitchell, Jr. a couple of years before he retired. Smith said he also worked with Mitchell, Sr. who was present on the night shift during the accident. The Senator’ said that the incident weighed heavy on his heart.
Just keep them in your thoughts and prayers, the rest will all come out in the next few days,” Smith said. “It really happened last night and I can’t imagine what his family’s going through. No parent should have to go through what happened.” Smith said. “My son’s 23, I was on my face before 11 p.m.”
The Governor’s office released a statement of condolence on the tragedy. “Cathy and I are heartbroken to learn of the death of one of our brave coal miners, and we ask all West Virginians to join us in prayer for his family and loved ones,” said Governor Jim Justice in a statement. “This is a heartbreaking loss for everyone involved: from his family and friends, to his fellow miners, to the entire community of Tucker County. Our state’s coal miners are the best in the world, hardworking and courageous people who put their lives on the line every day. We owe these men and women our sincerest gratitude, and today, we are reminded of their sacrifices in a tragic way.”
The Governor’s office reports an enduring debt of gratitude for the sacrifices made daily by the men and women of the State’s mining communities.
Senator Jim Justice also issued a statement about the tragedy. “It is a heartbreaking morning that read, “Why and I are devastated to learn that another dedicated West Virginian has lost their life in a day moratory is a true tragedy, and our hearts are with the family and friends of this miner.”
While the unidentified miner was life-flighted, officials have remained silent on their condition.
The cause of the fatal incident is being investigated by the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training, along with the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. The focus will be on safety procedures, the condition of equipment, and whether human error or other factors identify potential contributing factors.
