A US Mine Safety and Health Administration spokeswoman confirmed to ILN that the incident occurred at Buckingham Coal’s No. 7 operation near Glouster and occurred when one mantrip entered the mine as another exited.

“One miner, who allegedly struck his head, was evaluated by EMTs and life-flighted for precautionary reasons,” spokeswoman Amy Louviere said.

“Another miner, who sustained a hip injury, was life-flighted as well.”

Three other miners were taken by ambulance to a local hospital. Their injuries were believed to be minor.

Local Ohio news station WHIZ identified the men as John Reich, Brian Post, Brian McLaughlin, Todd Sinift and Jeremy Hasman.

According to federal data, the bituminous mine, controlled by Buckingham owner James Graham, produced about 884,000 tonnes of coal last year and recorded just over 205,000 man-hours.