Another W Va. Mine Tragedy

A conveyer belt runs into the Rum Creek Coal Plant, where coal from the Alma Mine No. 1 is sorted.

The bodies of two miners who were trapped after an underground fire broke out at Aracoma Alma Mine No. 1 were found today. According to authorities, the bodies were found in an area of heavy smoke and carbon monoxide.

The families of the miners identified them as Don Israel Bragg, 33, and Ellery "Elvis" Hatfield, 47. After the announcement that the two miners were dead, Gov. Joe Manchin said he was planning to introduce mine-safety bills in the state Legislature and to lobby the U.S. Congress to enact more mine-safety laws.

Rescuers on Saturday contained the underground fire that trapped the miners and were moving down a mile-long shaft. Complicating rescue efforts was the collapse of the mine's roof because of the fire and the blockage of several entryways. Officials said the fire probably started on a conveyor belt that moves coal out of the mine. The missing men were apparently separated from their 10 other crew members when the fire broke out. Their colleagues, as well as a second crew, managed to exit the mine about two hours later.