“Lives were lost far too soon”

MONTCOAL, W.Va. — Five years ago Sunday in the middle of the afternoon a massive explosion rocked the Upper Big Branch mine in Raleigh County killing 29 coal miners.

April 5, 2010 was a Monday and the day after Easter. Friends and family members didn’t know immediately if anyone had survived the blast. Many of them waited until the following Saturday before hearing from officials that there were no survivors.

A 3:00 p.m. ceremony is scheduled on the lawn of the Raleigh County Courthouse to remember the tragedy that happened not far from Beckley on Route 3. Wreaths were laid Saturday at the UBB memorial in the Boone County town of Whitesville that is only a few miles away from the now-sealed UBB. The staff of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin left a wreath and a brief note from the senator at the memorial Friday. Manchin was governor at the time of the blast.

Other elected officials released statements Saturday looking back at the tragedy.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito:

Five years ago, 29 coal miners perished in the terrible tragedy at the Upper Big Branch Mine. Our hearts still ache for the families of the hard-working miners whose lives were lost far too soon. Coal mining is a proud West Virginia tradition, but it is not without risks. We must continue working together to protect the courageous West Virginia coal miners who help power America.”

Third District Congressman Evan Jenkins:

My thoughts and prayers are with the families, neighbors and our West Virginia coal miners ahead of tomorrow’s anniversary of the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. Five years ago, we lost twenty-nine heroes. These proud fathers, sons, and husbands leave a legacy that we cannot forget. We must, and will, always remember all who have lost their lives working to provide a better future for their families and to provide for our country. We must also do all we can to ensure our coal miners always return home safely.”

The names of the UBB victims:

Carl Acord, 52

Jason Atkins, 25

Christopher Bell, 33

Gregory Steven Brock, 47

Kenneth Allan Chapman, 53

Robert Clark, 41

Charles Timothy Davis, 51

Cory Davis, 20

Michael Lee Elswick, 56

William I. Griffith, 54

Steven Harrah, 40

Edward Dean Jones, 50

Richard K. Lane, 45

William Roosevelt Lynch, 59

Nicholas Darrell McCroskey, 26

Joe Marcum, 57

Ronald Lee Maynor, 31

James E. Mooney, 50

Adam Keith Morgan, 21

Rex L. Mullins, 50

Joshua S. Napper, 25

Howard D. Payne, 53

Dillard Earl Persinger, 32

Joel R. Price, 55

Deward Scott, 58

Gary Quarles, 33

Grover Dale Skeens, 57

Benny Willingham, 61

Ricky Workman, 50





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