One death has been confirmed following a mine accident in Barbour County, West Virginia, according to Samantha Smith, director of marketing and communications at The Office of Miners Health, Safety and Training.

The accident happened Tuesday, February 6 at about 3:55 a.m. at the Wolf Run Mining LLC, Sentinel Mine, according to Smith.

Leonard Griffith, 52, of Valley Bend, died after he was struck by a coal rib roll that he was working on. Griffith was an electrician at the mine. Smith said the Office of Miners Health, Safety and Training confirmed the accident was fatal.

The Office of Miners Health, Safety and Training inspectors have started their investigation.

Senator Joe Manchin released the following statement: "Our coal miners and their families make unthinkable sacrifices to keep our state and nation strong. As West Virginians, we honor that hard work every day, and we come together in prayerful resolve when we lose one of our own. Gayle and I were deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Leonard W. Griffith in Barbour County. Today, as we mourn the loss of Mr. Griffith, we come together to lift up his family, friends, coworkers and loved ones in prayer. We join all West Virginians in holding the Griffith family in our thoughts and hearts during this difficult time.”

Governor Jim Justice posted the following message on Twitter: News this morning that West Virginia has lost a member of our coal mining community is heartbreaking. Please join us as we pray for the family, friends and co-workers of Leonard W. Griffith.

Senator Dave Sypolt, R-Preston, and Senator Randy Smith, R-Tucker, issued the following statement: “On behalf of the entire West Virginia Senate, we are deeply saddened to learn about the death of Leonard W. Griffith this morning at the Sentinel Mine in Barbour County. The hardworking men and women of our state’s coal industry have a tremendously tough and often thankless job, and we are truly grateful for their dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with Leonard's friends, family, and fellow coal miners as they remember his life in the coming days.”

Sentinel Mines is one of five in West Virginia owned by St. Louis-based Arch Coal Mining Company.

Created from coalzoom.com