CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia political leaders are remembering 29 miners killed in the Upper Big Branch mine disaster on the fourth anniversary of the nation’s deadliest mining accident in 40 years.
In a statement issued ahead of Saturday’s anniversary, Sen. Jay Rockefeller said April 5 should be reserved for remembering the men lost in the “horrific disaster” and the families they left. His counterpart, Sen. Joe Manchin, said not a day passes without a thought of the 29 “brave miners.”
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin urged West Virginians to visit a memorial at the Capitol to pay tribute to the miners. He said he wrote a note in a book of thoughts and prayers at the memorial.
Rep Nick Rahall said all should work to ensure that another such tragedy does not occur.
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