Executive Summary
- A section foreman, Steven Lipscomb, 42, died following a flooding incident at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County, West Virginia.
- The incident occurred on November 8 after a crew encountered a sudden, substantial inflow of water underground. All other miners evacuated safely.
- Alpha Metallurgical Resources is cooperating with federal and state authorities to conduct a full investigation into the cause of the accident.
A section foreman was killed following a sudden flooding incident at a coal mine in Nicholas County, West Virginia, on November 8. The company, Alpha Metallurgical Resources, confirmed the death of Steven Lipscomb, 42, of Elkview, W. Va., at its Rolling Thunder Mine.
According to a statement from the company, a crew working underground encountered a “sudden and substantial inflow of water.” All miners in the area were able to evacuate safely, with the exception of Mr. Lipscomb. The company reported he was last seen ensuring his crew members could escape.
“Our hearts are broken,” said Andy Eidson, Alpha’s chief executive officer, in a statement. “Steve joined our company in 2006 and was a dedicated employee, respected leader and friend to many. His actions to ensure the safety of his crew members were heroic.” Eidson also extended sympathies to Lipscomb’s wife and two children.
Alpha Metallurgical Resources stated it immediately mobilized resources for a multi-day rescue and recovery effort, which involved local, state, and federal agencies, as well as emergency dive teams. The company is now cooperating with authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident.