State Mine Safety Director Ron Wooten tells MetroNews he's been told six coal miners have been killed in an explosion at a Raleigh County underground mine.
Massey Energy reported the explosion Monday afternoon at its Performance Coal Company Upper Branch Mine on the Raleigh-Boone county line near Whitesville and Montcoal.
Wooten tells MetroNews the Boone County Ambulance Service reported six dead and 21 unaccounted for. Wooten says the explosion occurred at the mine's Ellis Portal.
911 dispatchers in Boone and Raleigh counties tell MetroNews the explosion was reported at 4:22 p.m. They also confirmed fatalities. EMS crews from multiple counties are on the scene along with three volunteer fire departments.
Three helicopters have helping transport some injured miners.
Mine rescue teams along with MSHA and state investigators are heading to the scene
Massey Energy reported the explosion Monday afternoon at its Performance Coal Company Upper Branch Mine on the Raleigh-Boone county line near Whitesville and Montcoal.
Wooten tells MetroNews the Boone County Ambulance Service reported six dead and 21 unaccounted for. Wooten says the explosion occurred at the mine's Ellis Portal.
911 dispatchers in Boone and Raleigh counties tell MetroNews the explosion was reported at 4:22 p.m. They also confirmed fatalities. EMS crews from multiple counties are on the scene along with three volunteer fire departments.
Three helicopters have helping transport some injured miners.
Mine rescue teams along with MSHA and state investigators are heading to the scene