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UPDATE Name released in fatal coal mining accident

The state Mine Safety Office says a coal miner was killed Thursday night at a Raleigh County operation.

The accident happened at about 9:20 at Pocahontas Coal’s Affinity Mine.

The state Mine Safety Office said Friday afternoon Edward Finney, 43, of Bluefield, Va., was killed.

Federal mine safety officials say Finney was operating a scoop when another piece of equipment moved unexpectedly.

It’s the second mining death in West Virginia this week. The first happened at the Blue Creek preparation plant in Kanawha County when a hydraulic cylinder exploded.

The accident claimed the life of Brandon Townsend, 34, of Delbarton.

State and federal teams are conducting investigations at both sites.

 

 

 

 





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