Roof collapse 14,000 feet underground strands Kentucky coal miner

The mine, owned by Inmet Mining, LLC, of Knoxville, Tennessee, has suspended its operations while the search effort is ongoing

A computer-generated map showing the approximate location of a coal miner who went missing on 20 March, 2022, after the roof of a Kentucky mine caved in (WCHS)

Rescue crews are searching for a Kentucky coal miner who is missing after a reported roof collapse 14,000 feet underground.

The collapse was reported about an hour after James D Brown, 33, a roof bolter at the D-29 Darby Fork mine in Harlan County, Kentucky, began his shift in the mine on Sunday at 10pm.

Crews from the Kentucky Division of Mine Safety have been sent to investigate.

“The Kentuckians who go into mines daily to provide the coal that helps power this country face particular dangers and deserve our gratitude,” Kentucky governor Andy Beshear said in a statement. “Britainy and I are praying for the miner and his family – we all hope for his safe recovery.”

The mine, owned by Inmet Mining, LLC, of Knoxville, Tennessee, has suspended its operations while the search effort is ongoing.

“Our sincere hope is that Mr. Brown is found safe,” Kentucky Energy and Environment Secretary Rebecca Goodman told Associated Press. “We will then begin the process of examining what happened at this mine and how it could have been prevented.”

The coroner’s office is also on the scene, according to police.

The Independent has contacted state and local officials for more information on the search.