Coal miner killed on the job while operating excavator, governor says

COAL MOUNTIAN, W.Va. (WVVA/Gray News) – A coal miner was killed on the job in West Virginia on Thursday morning, according to Governor Jim Justice.

The coal miner was identified as Virgil Paynter. He was killed at the CM Energy Operations LP Surface Mine while operating an excavator.

Justice released a statement following the death:

“This is truly a heartbreaking tragedy because we lost another incredible West Virginia hero. We should all be grateful for Mr. Paynter’s service, just as we should be thankful for all the miners across our state and country. We really can’t appreciate our miners enough for their work, which powers and creates steel for our homes, state, and nation. This is a tragedy beyond belief, and Cathy and I will keep this man and his loved ones in our prayers. We ask you to join us.”

Justice said this is the first coal mine death in the West Virginia in 2024. However, it is the second coal miner death nationally this year, with the other occurring in January in Pennsylvania.

According to the Associated Press, there were nine coal miner deaths in the U.S. last year.

The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training and the Mine Safety and Health Administration are at the mine site and will be conducting an investigation.

Further information about the death have not been released.

Copyright 2024 WVVA via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.