1 missing after W.Va. slurry pond accident
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LUMBERPORT, W.Va. – Emergency officials were draining a West Virginia coal slurry pond to search for a bulldozer operator who was unaccounted for after an embankment collapsed, sending three into the water.
U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration spokeswoman Amy Louviere said a “massive failure” occurred about 12:15 p.m. Friday at the Nolans Run impoundment of the Robinson Run mine in Harrison County. One dozer operator and two engineers were on the platform when it collapsed.
Both engineers were rescued and were in noncritical condition.
Governor’s office spokeswoman Amy Shuler Goodwin said sonar detected an object in the pond and that officials were considering sending in divers. The water is about 12 feet deep.
The mine is owned by Pennsylvania-based Consol.
MSHA personnel were on site, along with company, state and union officials.