A mining town faces tragedy - together

Details of the accident were still emerging. One man was found dead by the explosion site, the other 12 had barricaded themselves behind a sheet of fabric to block out the carbon monoxide. The community, while eager for answers about why the explosion occurred and for investigations into the numerous safety violations the mine has reportedly occurred, also wants an explanation for the misinformation that raised people's hopes so high for a few hours. The White House and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration promised a full investigation.

Mining has long been a fixture in Upshur County. Along with timber and the gas and oil fields - all of which have had their boom periods - it's one of the few well-paying jobs in an area where Wal-Mart and the school district are among the employers. Starting pay can be $15 or $20 per hour - double or triple other available work.

"It's better pay, better retirement, better benefits," said Alton Wamsley Jr., whose father was part of the group of miners who got out when the explosion occurred. Mr. Wamsley, who currently makes hardwood floors, says he plans to join the mines this year, despite the disaster. "As long as there's been a Wamsley in West Virginia, there's been one that worked in the coal mines," he says.

Many miners have rationalized the hazards inherent in the job.

"Coal miners play down the danger to themselves and to family members," said Barry Michrina, professor of anthropology at Mesa State College and author of a 1993 book on Pennsylvania mining families. "They have this idea that danger is ubiquitous in the world, so coal mining is not unique. They say, 'Well, you could get killed crossing a street. Danger is everywhere. But, by being vigilant, you can protect yourself.' "

The work also builds a sense of camaraderie.

"Many of these men do see themselves as a breed apart," he says. "There's a tradition, a pride in continuing that sort of work. And many of the men like being underground, they don't get worried."

"It's a little like basketball players, or fishermen or construction workers," added Duane Lockard, professor emeritus at Princeton University and author of a 1998 book chronicling four generations of his West Virginia mining family. "There's a sense that we're all in this together."

The ranks of miners have thinned considerably as technology has improved.

Less than 4 percent of Upshur County's workforce is now actively engaged in mining, according to the Census Bureau.

In his interviews with coal families, Dr. Michrina also found that while confident of their husbands' experience and maturity in working safely in a mine, many women actively discouraged their sons from joining up, fearing they might not be as safety conscious.

"If it'd been a union mine this never would have happened," said Earl Casto, a former miner whose cousin, Junior Hamner, died in the accident. "This should make all coal miners working open their eyes." Mr. Casto said that his cousin complained frequently about the safety violations that occurred.

Though angry, Casto and his wife, Betty, were hesitant to point fingers Wednesday morning until they knew more. Instead, they headed to the Sago Baptist Church to offer a quiet prayer for all the miners and their families.

"This is going to be a sad community for a very long time," said Betty. "People will never forget this."

• Mark Clayton contributed to this report.

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