Missing Miner Search Continues in Flooded West Virginia Mine

TWENTY MILE CREEK, W. Va. (Gray News) – Dive teams are actively searching a flooded mine in West Virginia after a miner was reported missing on Saturday.

According to Governor Patrick Morrisey, rescue teams have entered the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County twice but have not yet found the missing man. The miner went missing after crews struck an unknown pocket of water around 1:30 p.m. Saturday, which caused water to rush into the section where they were working.

Local, state, and federal agencies are collaborating with Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. to locate the miner. Crews are focused on lowering water levels and improving air quality to allow for more exploration of the flooded mine.

Nicholas County Commissioner Garrett Cole urged the public to pray for the missing miner, likening him to a family member. “Pray like this man is your own family, brother, or cousin. Because he is to his own family,” Cole said. “Continue to raise your prayers toward Heaven that God is with this miner and those working to get to him to get him back to the surface safely.”

Rescue crews began pumping water out of the mine around 9:30 p.m. Saturday in hopes of locating the miner. As of Sunday, efforts are ongoing.