I’m Paul Courson, WA3VJB with breaking news. Dateline Sago, West Virginia where the lone survivor of a coal mine explosion appears to be a ham radio operator. According to news reports, Randal McCloy Jr, KC8VKZ, is in critical condition and receiving Oxygen Therapy in a Pennsylvania hospital’s Hyperbaric Chamber. An explosion early Monday, January 2nd trapped the 26 year old McCloy and 12 other miners more than two miles inside a mountain. The blast also released toxic carbon monoxide that prevented rescuers from reaching them for more than 40 hours.
Only Mr. McCloy survived but doctors fear that he has suffered damage to his heart, kidneys, lungs and possibly his brain. He is listed in critical condition and is expected to remain at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh until further notice.
The bodies of the other 12 men were removed from the mine on Wednesday, January 4th. Lightning is believed to have caused the blast.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I’m Paul Courson,
lone survivor of a coal mine explosion KC8VKZ
Posted - 08 Jan 2006 : 08:13:26 AM
