Day 6 of Desperate Search for Trapped Coal Miner in Flooded West Virginia Mine
Nicholas County, West Virginia – Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate a missing miner who has been trapped underground for six days after a catastrophic flood at the Rolling Thunder Mine. Officials report steady progress as crews continue to drain massive amounts of water from the site.
The mine flooded on Saturday, November 8, when an old wall inside the mine collapsed, allowing water to rush into the tunnels. Several miners escaped safely, but one worker remains missing — prompting a large-scale, multi-agency search operation.
Progress in Rescue Operations
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said on Wednesday, November 12, that rescue crews have made measurable progress in lowering the water levels inside the mine.
“Rescue operations at the Rolling Thunder Mine are steadily progressing as crews work to lower water levels. While entry isn’t yet possible, conditions continue to improve,” Morrisey posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Authorities have not yet identified the missing miner but continue to coordinate with the miner’s family, ensuring all safety measures are maintained during the rescue attempt.
Massive Pumping Effort: 6,000 Gallons Per Minute
To speed up the process, emergency crews have increased their pumping rate to 6,000 gallons of water per minute, a major improvement compared to earlier days of the operation.
“Additional pumps were deployed on Wednesday, allowing water to recede faster,” said Morrisey in an official update.
The coordinated rescue effort involves state and federal emergency teams, engineers, and dive specialists. Divers are also inspecting flooded areas to search for possible air pockets where the trapped miner might have found refuge.
Company Response and Community Support
The Rolling Thunder Mine is operated by Alpha Metallurgical Resources, a Tennessee-based mining company. The mine, located roughly 90 miles east of Charleston, is one of the region’s key coal operations.
Governor Morrisey expressed gratitude to both rescue workers and the company for their cooperation.
“People are working together with one goal — to bring this miner home safely,” he said during a press briefing on November 11.
Community Hope Remains Strong
As the search extends into its sixth day, community members across West Virginia continue to send prayers and messages of hope for the missing miner and his family. Rescue workers remain committed to the operation until every possibility of survival is explored.
Conclusion
The West Virginia coal mine rescue mission represents one of the largest and most determined efforts in recent years. As crews continue to pump water and monitor the situation, hope persists that the trapped worker may still be found alive.
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