WVOW News
THACKER A Kentucky man died from injuries sustained Sunday at a coal mining operation in Mingo County, according to Governor Jim Justice.
The miner, identified as 73-year-old William Mapes, of Freeburn, Ky., was fatally injured Sunday afternoon while near Central Appalachian Mining LLC’s Grapevine South Surface Mine near Thacker. He was contractor for LSM Contracting and veteran miner of 53 years, according to a statement from the governor’s office
“Any time we lose a brave coal miner, it’s a tragedy beyond belief,” Governor Justice said. “Cathy and I will keep this man and his loved ones in our prayers and ask all West Virginians to join with us.”
Additional details were not immediately available.
Investigations will be conducted by the federal Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) and the state Office of Mine Safety Health and Training are investigating the cause of Mr. Mapes’ death.