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UPDATE: Man Hurt in Mining Accident Save Email Print
Posted: 12:05 PM May 27, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:39 AM May 28, 2008
 Reporter: Mike Waterhouse
Email Address: mike.waterhouse@wsaz.com
46 comments
A | A | A

UPDATE @ 11:30am
A mine safety spokesperson just released the name of the miner that was injured in a Boone County mine. Jama Jarrett with the West Virginia Office of Miners Heath and Safety says Shannon Dolin is expected to make a full recovery. In fact, we're told he's improving so much, he's now talking to his family and doctors. He's still listed under evaluation at CAMC General.


UPDATE @ 5:03pm
Massey spokesperson Jeff Gillenwater tells WSAZ that the miner suffered no broken bones in the accident, but he does have some bruises.

Gillenwater says the miner is now conscious at the hospital -- and his injuries do not appear to be life threatening.

His name still has not been released.


UPDATE @ 4:08pm
SLYVESTER, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A mine safety spokesperson tells WSAZ.com that the man injured in a mine accident in Boone County is in serious condition at CAMC General.

We're told he is 33 years old and from Foster, West Virginia. However, his name is not being released at this time.

Jama Jarrett with the West Virginia Office of Miners Heath and Safety says the man has worked at the Elk Run Mine for about a year-and-a-half, but he's been a miner for nearly 5 years.

The Elk Run Mine opened in 2006.

Jarrett tells WSAZ.com that the mine was cited for 50 violations in 2007, and so far in 2008 it's been cited for 41 violations. According to safety records, the violations include not complying with paperwork to equipment violations, but Jarrett says none of them are considered serious.


ORIGINAL STORY
SYLVESTER, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- 911 dispatchers in Boone County say a miner is now free after being trapped underground.

It happened just before noon Tuesday at the Elk Run Mine in Sylvester.

State mine officials tell us the miner was pinned against the wall.

Dispatchers say the miner was reportedly unconscious, but he has now been taken to the surface where a HealthNet helicopter is flying him to the hospital.

We're not sure how seriously he's hurt.

Massey Energy spokesman Jeff Gillenwater tells WSAZ that the company is working with MSHA inspectors to figure out what caused the accident, but says their major concern right now is for the injured miner and his family.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.
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Posted by: Shannon's family on Jun 1, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Update: Shannon is on the road to recovery! He has been hurt very badly, but with God's help, we know he will be restored. We would like to first thank God for saving him. His wife, his four year old son, and seven week old baby girl need him. We would also like to thank everyone for all their prayers and support. The outpouring of love is overwhelming. Thank you to CAMC, the paramedics, and health net for your care. Thank you Massey Energy, Elk Run, and Shonk Mining for your help and support. It is at times like this you realize who you can depend on.
Posted by: Concerned Citizen on May 29, 2008 at 05:35 PM
To Michelle: The American way is not to give up on something if you dislike it, it is to change what you dislike. I love West Virginia and I will not move. I will fight to change what I don't like about it.
Posted by: Judy on May 29, 2008 at 05:24 PM
I'm glad to hear that Shannon will be ok. My husband, Scottie, knows him and worked with him at Elk Run for almost a year. My husband still is employed with Massey but now at Aracoma. I read the comments and it doesn't matter whether you are union or non-union what matters is that these men and women put their lives on the line everyday so that they can support their families. So instead of people putting them down because they work for a non-union company we all should take the time and say a prayer for each one of them. I'm sure anyone who has a family member who works in the coal mines understands the risks that they take on a daily basis. So we all should say God Bless our WV coal miners and their families because these men and women work very hard and they deserve more than put downs about where they work.
Posted by: A VERY PROUD COALMINERS WIFE! on May 29, 2008 at 03:23 PM
To concerned citzen Good don't use our electric we don't want you to anyways!!You don't deserve it!!
Posted by: Michelle on May 29, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I'm glad to hear that the miner will be ok. I grew up in Sylvester and I have family that works as security at Elk Run. You rarely hear about accidents there. The last fatality I heard about was over 10 years ago and I'm so glad that it wasn't the case this time. I just wish that people didn't use these accidents as ways to voice their anti-mining issues. If you don't like the mines, move. There are plenty of other states in the country that don't have it. Thanks, Shannon, for doing what you do just for us to have the power to have what we have in our homes. My husband is a coal miner, too. And although I don't like the idea of stuff like these accidents I deal with it because I have to. God Bless our coal miners and their families.
Posted by: cousin to Shannon on May 29, 2008 at 09:03 AM
As a cousin to Shannons I am writing to let people know that no matter union or non union everyone has to work and support their families. It is awful that people would get a union non union dispute going on when you should be thinking about him and his conditions instead of worrying what kind of mine it was. A coal mine is a coal mine. It doesnt matter where it is or who owns it its a Coal Mines. Theres not much union left and what is left is not at all like it used to be. So for once I would like everyone to stop and think about what kind of dispute that you have made and consider the miner, his family, friends and co workers. Thanks to all of his co workers that helped him survive through this serious tragedy. We are just lucky at this time to have him with us.
Posted by: Concerned Citizen on May 29, 2008 at 02:23 AM
To Wally: As for not using electricity, I will be done with school after a summer semester and when I get a job I will be converting my house to solar/wind power. I all ready have a job lined up so there are jobs for educated people in W.V. I want nothing to do with coal and as soon as I have the opportunity, I will cut all ties to it.
Posted by: Concerned Citizen on May 29, 2008 at 02:15 AM
To Wally: There is a reason Miners get paid a lot money. They have a good chance of being killed on the job. If they are lucky enough not to be killed on the job, they will end up with black lung and die before their time. Money is not everything. What good is earning a lot of money going to do a person if they get killed while doing so and their family is left with no income. Mining is not worth it.
Posted by: Elizabeth on May 28, 2008 at 09:44 PM
As a family member of Shannon's I'm appalled that his accident has turned into a union/nonunion discussion. The bottom line is that Shannon is injured (though thankfully doing better). Rather than waste your energy on the union/nonunion topic right now, why not take the time and offer up prayers on behalf of ALL miners, especially Shannon and his family at this time? There is a time and a place for everything, and this is NOT the time nor the place.
Posted by: First on May 28, 2008 at 08:22 PM
I am Shannon's cousin, he will make a full recovery from this. He has no broken bones. He suffered from a collapsed lung and will have to have rotator cuff surgey. For those of you who are arguing Union/Non-union is like arguing Apples to Oranges. The union mines are a thing of the past and the next generation will only know what 1 was by stories and history books. Is it a bad thing or good thing, we don't know yet. But I think it will turn out to be somewhere in the medium.
Posted by: Ruth on May 28, 2008 at 06:47 PM
I'm the wife of a union miner ,my daughter is the wife of a non union miner ,would my families pain be less if my son in law should be injured. Absolutely not! I thank GOD that my children and grandchildren have a home food and clothes from this non union job. It's sad that Shannon's injury has become a debate about union and non union jobs. When we should be praying for his family. Let's forget for a moment on where he worked and just thank God that he is still with us!!!!
Posted by: Coal Miners Wife Mother and Daughter on May 28, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Union or Non-union is not the issue. The Union is gone because they would strike for any reason. The Union destroyed its self. Everything that we have has come from coal mining money. The statements regarding get an education, well take the time to do your research and see how many coal miners have a college education. So Don Blankenship has money and is rich you are just jealous. He is no different than the oil men that are making way more than him and are stealing from us everyday having gas at 4.00 plus dollars a gallon. To all you simple minded people who bash the non union mines I wish that we could cut your power and and then see what kind of attitude you would have. And, I would lay money that you people are the ones in line for all the free Christmas and Easter Parties sponsored by Massey. You were probably protestors because you could not attend our picnics. Get a life and and find something that will change the country for good. Just PRAY for this man and all miners!
Posted by: The Conley Family on May 28, 2008 at 01:54 PM
We are glad to hear that Shannon is doing much better. Our thoughts and Prayers are still with you all through the recovery.
Posted by: william on May 28, 2008 at 12:53 PM
To Bonnie without the union there would be no safety rules.When your husband turns 55yrs old he will have a medical card if he meets the requirements.Ask yourself what will masseys nonunion worker get.It is sad that there is people who don't know that they don't know.Put that in your pipe and smoke it from a UNION MAN.
Posted by: Michelle on May 28, 2008 at 11:57 AM
What good does higher education really do in this state, Concerned Citizen? Not everybody wants to have a degree to be a doctor or lawyer to make a decent amount of money. This state just doesn't have the companies that will fork out the money for "educated" people. Mining may be a big part of WV history, but it is still dominant today because educated geniuses like you still haven't figured out a way to use something other than coal that will produce enough energy for people. And another thing, there are alot of "educated" people that work in the mines as well. This states economy sucks so bad that people have to do what they have to do to survive. And if that means digging up coal so be it. My husband works for a Massey mine. He hates it, and I worry because of stuff like this. But it puts food on the table and lets us keep our house. I hope that Shannon will be ok and I pray for his family. God bless our coal miners.
Posted by: a union coal miner's daughter on May 28, 2008 at 08:37 AM
I do work everyday and have all my life thank you very much, and the unions mine are gone because of stupid people who don't care about their lives or their fellow workers just the buck. They work for less and union miners that work non union lose their benifits so thats their own fault for working non union. If the younger generation would learn the history and see what so many died for and worked for to better them and secure their saftey we would not have this non union/union problem. So work non union for less pay, benifits and safety and be happy. Just pray that the roof doesn't fall in.
Posted by: Wally on May 28, 2008 at 07:46 AM
I would like to ask Concerned Citizen a question? Do you turn your lights on when you go in your house? This state has been blessed by God with coal. And that my friends is a fact! These coal miners that risk their lives everyday do it for their families. You can not go any where else in this country and make $24 dollars a hour. I have a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree and can't make that kind of money in this state! And back to the concerned citizen, since it seems your against coal mining, don't use electricity! Maybe when you go to sleep at night you can pray for all the miners and their families that maybe their daddies and husbands can come home safely.
Posted by: Concerned Citizen on May 28, 2008 at 02:44 AM
Very good news that he is o.k. but this is another senseless injury. When will people learn that coal is W.V.'s past and not it's future? Don't risk your lives for coal barons! Get an education!
Posted by: Bonnie on May 28, 2008 at 12:49 AM
Union or not, why does it matter? The man got hurt and needs everyones prayers. Massey may be non union, but what has the union done! My dad is a retired union man, worked around coal all his life, his doctors tell us his lungs are full of black lung, but he can't get anything from it. my brother is retired and diabled and can't get social security or diability from the coal mines. I don't see the union helping him, other than his measley little retirement check. my husband is a retired union man, he does draw social secuity and gets his retirement. He wouldn't have a medical card worth anything if I didn't have a job that provides it. he can't get his umwa health card until he turns 55. That is only if there is any money left in it. I say, Massey all the way.
Posted by: Joyce Fink on May 27, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Even thogh I live in Ohio,I was born in W.Va..Coalmineing is very important in many ways.And the men & wemon that work in our mines deserve to come home safe to their familys.I think they should be punished in some way.I have a bother-inlaw that works in the mines,It scares me that one of these days it'll be us.I pray not, & I pray for those families that have already been there.May God bless him and his family.
Posted by: coal miners wife on May 27, 2008 at 10:20 PM
First and foremost, my prayers are with this family. Second, you don't hear of very many union miners being hurt because there is not that many union jobs! I am a coal miners wife. My husband is a union miner but had to work many years non-union because he was laid off his union job and the younger generation have no choice but to work non union, the union won't give you a chance unless you have 4 or 5 years experience. Excuse me..how are you supposed to get the experience. I agree that Massey does have issues but Massey put food on my table for several years and without them this States unemployment would skyrocket. No one even knows what happened yet and they immediately blame a non union mine. This person apparently had a family to provide for and did not depend on the welfare system to support them. He was putting in an honest days work and was injured. It doesn't matter what the circumstances were. He is hurt and needs prayer. People are so quick to condemn.
Posted by: J on May 27, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Yes, the union is more important than this man and his family /sarcasm.
Posted by: Sabrina on May 27, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Prayers go out to this miner and his family. I suppose Don Blankenship will get out of this like all of the other accidents. Hopefully he will be sent to prison soon.
Posted by: Tom on May 27, 2008 at 06:32 PM
It does'nt matter union or not we have a coal miner hurt and needs our prayers. After all we're all GOD's children.
Posted by: Captain Cornflake on May 27, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Union, Non-Union, whatever. All Coal is risky and stupid. Go Water-Powered Electricity.
Posted by: Coalminer's Wife on May 27, 2008 at 05:25 PM
My husband worked union and is forced to work at an Elk Run Mine under Massey. The equipment is old, they rob parts from one thing to get another going, the rails are rusted and they wreck constantly coming out of the mine. Its just wrong that Don Blankenship makes millions while the men who risk their lives have to struggle to make him a millionaire. Men like my husband work hard in sub-standard mines with bad tops and poor equipment so we can crank up our A/C and stay cool in the summer or have lights to see after dark. Thank you to all underground Miners for the danger you put yourself in every day that you walk out that door to go to work. I appreciate it everytime I feel the A/C, watch TV, play on the computer, wash and dry clothes, make coffee, take a hot bath and turn on the lights. My prayers are with this miner, his loved ones and friends.
Posted by: Sabrina on May 27, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Prayers go out to the family. I guess Don Blankenship will get out of this one again as he always does. Whereas if he was a small mine operator he would have been in federal prison a long time ago. This is how money rules the world.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 27, 2008 at 03:57 PM
who cares union or none...these men are risking their lives for your sorry butts..this is to you a union coal miner daughter..get off you lazy butt and get out of your single wide and you go underground and work for your money..
Posted by: Dave on May 27, 2008 at 03:49 PM
No, it doesn't matter now if it was union or not. My prayers are with him too. But if it was union the chances of this happening would be lower. Union mines are safer mines, plain and simple. And, if it was a union mine, he would get health care for life after this accident and so would his wife. No chance of that from Massey.
Posted by: McCormicks on May 27, 2008 at 03:39 PM
My husband is a miner for Massey, it does not make any difference if he works union or non union...Miners are all family...my heart goes out to his wife and family. Please have respect for him and others like him that work everyday, not only to support thier families, but it is also providing for those against mining..Regaurdless if he is a union miner or not he is still a hard working miner, who is hurt and needs our prayers.
Posted by: Adkins Family on May 27, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Our thoughts and prayers our with the family and know that his strength will pull him through.
Posted by: a union coal miners daughter on May 27, 2008 at 03:15 PM
To all with the question about union or not,well the truth is union miners work in much safer conditions and are not made work in unsafe conditions. How many union miners do you hear of being hurt,trapped or killed underground. Not many!! They have the right to refuse to work in unsafe conditions were non union miners do not with out losing their jobs. And yes the union does help the miners and their families due to injury or illness related to work or off the job. The union cares about their miners and their families.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 27, 2008 at 03:03 PM
sending prayers to the miner and his family...
Posted by: Buzz on May 27, 2008 at 03:02 PM
OK William can you tell me what difference it would have made if it was a union mine? That was probably one of the dumber statements I have heard in my entire life.
Posted by: Daryl on May 27, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Massey Energy doing the right thing with eeh, hum, well you all know!
Posted by: Melissa on May 27, 2008 at 02:37 PM
To William: WHY DOES THAT MATTER...Union is NOT going to help the miner and his family get better
Posted by: Anonymous on May 27, 2008 at 02:33 PM
my prayers are with the miner and his family. don blankenship should spend money to make the mines safer instead of using it to take the justice on vacation that just happens to be presiding over mr. blankenships court cases.
Posted by: I HATE STUPID PEOPLE on May 27, 2008 at 02:19 PM
IT DOES NOT MATTER IF IT WAS UNION OR NOT A MAN GOT HURT PROVIDING FOR HIS FAMILY STUPID PEOPLE LIKE YOU IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE UNION TODAY
Posted by: anonymous on May 27, 2008 at 02:01 PM
The injured man has a wife and a son, as well as a newborn baby girl. I attend church with them. They are great people. Please pray for his recovery...
Posted by: Hope on May 27, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Comment by william: I am a family member, whether it is union or not...should not matter...the family needs prayer and that;s all that does matter at this moment!!!
Posted by: Heather on May 27, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Union, or Non-Union.. What is the difference, This poor man is fighting for his life. My Prayers are with him, and his family.
Posted by: LK on May 27, 2008 at 01:40 PM
It's a massey mine
Posted by: Anonymous on May 27, 2008 at 12:32 PM
my prayers are with the miner and his family.
Posted by: william on May 27, 2008 at 12:18 PM
was this a union mine?if not maybe it should have been.
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