Miner Tragedy In West Virginia

By Betsy Curry
Tragedy struck West Virginia on Jan. 2, and forced our state to be in the national lime light for the first time since most of us can remember. The Sago mine explosion is still under state and federal investigation, according to various websites. Initial indication concluded that lightning was the cause of the 6:30 a.m. explosion which trapped 13 miners under ground.

I first learned of the miner entrapment in the early afternoon of January 2. As an avid internet user I stumbled upon the headline teaser on MSN.com stating “13 miners trapped in West Virginia,” from pure curiosity I clicked on the story. From then on I was hooked to CNN with the live coverage of the Sago Mine rescue.

The disaster was first reported on CNN Live Today at approximately 11:41 a.m Jan. 2 according to CNN online. Reporters clamored to the tiny town of Tallmansville which is located in Upshur County, in hopes to be the first to break the nation wide story. Anderson Cooper and Geraldo Rivera were amongst the hundreds of reporters located near the Sago Baptist church, which held the family and friends of the miners. Reporters found it difficult to interview or receive any information from the family members. The family and friends of Terry Helms, was one of the few that willingly spoke with CNN on various occasions.

CNN correspondents spoke with Helms’s son Nick Helms about his father. Nick stated “He worked so hard so I wouldn’t have to set foot in a coal mine,” The Helms family was very cooperative with CNN reporters answering various questions about the miners and how the other families were dealing with this tragic event.

Eleven hours after the explosion that not only collapsed the mine but was also heard around the small community, a team of five rescue workers proceeded into the mine on foot. The first report of workers descending into the mine was broadcasted on CNN Live. The rescue was held off because according to mine officials the carbon monoxide level was too dangerous. The rescue was a long and enduring process. By midday on Jan. 3 the rescue of the 13 miners was creeping upon 24 hours.

According to CNN Online the family and friends of the 13 miners spent the night at the Sago Baptist Church, which is located only a few minutes from the Sago mine. During the night prayers and hope filled the church as they awaited any word from the mine officials. At daybreak the outcome of the rescue seemed grim.

“According to mine
officials the carbon monoxide level inside the mine was three
times the safe limit.”

As family and friends prepared for the most logical outcome, the first real news made its way to the tiny church, at 8 p.m., according to CNN and numerous other websites, one miner was found dead at an abandon cart which carries miners into the mine each day.
Around 11:45 p.m. nationwide CNN viewers were told live by various people that 12 miners had been found alive. CNN anchor, Anderson Cooper spoke with a teary eyed friend of Terry Helms as he rushed down from the mine stating “12 are alive, we got 12” Almost simultaneously with the news the bells of the Sago Baptist Church rang out celebrating what many remarked as a miracle. Governor Joe Manchin was accredited for calling out “Miracles do happen in West Virginia.” According to CNN who derived their information from family and friends of the trapped miners the 12 miners would ascend from the mine and come directly to the church and be reunited with their loved ones.

All that was left to do now for reporters was to wait for the miners. Viewers as well as family members were lead to believe it would be a short wait. Camera crews captured family and friends hugging and rejoicing on the steps of the church as they also waited for the miners to appear. During this time the nation was left to listen to many family members being interviewed about the “miracle news.” Anderson Cooper sought out family members of the 12 miners, but one particular interview is still etched in my mind. Lynette Roby and her two children spoke with Cooper about the joy in their hearts for the safe rescue of the 12 miners. Roby was just a neighbor who lived near the mine.

Minutes turned into hours as the family and friends still stood outside the church awaiting the arrival of their miner. At 1:20 a.m. the first ambulance appeared at the top of the hill, instead of driving to the church it took a right and proceeded in the direction of St. Joseph Hospital in nearby Buckhannon according to the live report on Anderson Cooper 360. Still, little was known and I as well as the nation continued to wait.

At 3 a.m. Lynette Roby and her two children literally invaded Anderson Cooper live on air. Roby stated that the initial word that 12 miners were alive was false. In actuality there was one alive and 12 dead and the survivor had already been transported
to the hospital. It was clear by observation that Cooper along with everyone else watching was stunned. He continued to ask various questions about where she heard the news from and when. During the interview faint yelling and screaming could be heard. Cooper later confirmed the noise was coming from the church where the family and friends were being told now, after three hours, that the 12 miners were dead.

The lone survivor of the devastating mine disaster was Randal McCloy Jr. who remains in critical condition at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Devastation has crimpled not only the hearts of the 12 miner’s family and friends, but a nation in whole has been in mourning. As the last of the miners were laid to rest on Jan. 10 their memories has yet to be forgotten. We must remember the words of Governor Manchin, “Miracles do happen in West Virginia,” for Randal McCloy continues to fight for recovery.