8 dead, more than 20 missing after US mine blast

An explosion ripped through a coal mine Monday in the US state of West Virginia, killing at least eight miners and leaving more than 20 unaccounted for, emergency officials told AFP.

The blast occurred towards the end of the afternoon at the Upper Big Branch Mine run by Massey Energy's Performance Coal Company, some 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Charleston, West Virginia.

"We understand that there was an explosion, we have eight confirmed fatalities, we still have several, around 20, that were injured and 21-23 still underground," a spokeswoman from the Raleigh County emergency services said.

"I don't know if they are trapped or if they are just unaccounted for. They are unable to locate them."

A massive rescue operation was launched after the mid-afternoon blast as local and volunteer firefighters rushed to the scene along with a fleet of ambulances and mine safety workers tried to contact missing miners underground.

"They have gotten 10 out so far, eight were dead on arrival and two were transported to hospital," the emergency official added, confirming that one was flown by helicopter and the second went by road.

West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, who was on vacation at the time, hurried back to his state and was expected to deliver a statement on the accident.

In Washington, West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller said he and his wife were "heartbroken" over the news. "We are sending all of our prayers and thoughts to the brave miners and their families," Rockefeller said.

"I am working with state and federal officials to get as much information as possible and I am doing all I can to help make sure all resources are made available for this rescue effort."

In January 2006, 12 West Virginia coal miners died in the Sago coal mine, owned by the International Coal Group, after they were trapped by an explosion more than 40 hours 80 meters (260 feet) underground. One miner survived.

The worst-ever US mining tragedy took place in 1907 in Monongah, West Virginia, where an explosion killed 362 workers.

According to official figures, annual fatal mining accidents have totaled less than 20 in West Virginia since 1983, except for 1991 when there were 22 and 2006 when there were 25.