"We did not receive the miracle we prayed for," West Virginia governor Joe Manchin said in a 12.40am news conference early Saturday morning as he announced the news.
"The journey has ended and now the healing will start."
The fourth and final rescue attempt was made Friday after nitrogen injections and high-pressure fans helped bring explosive gas levels down.
US Mine Safety and Health Administration coal administrator Kevin Stricklin said the bodies of the men were found about 11.30pm where searchers had expected, three at the entrance to Longwall Section 22 main, and the fourth near the headgate of the longwall itself.
The longwall worker, who officials said last week was part of a hotseat exchange and was believed to be awaiting changeover, was the last individual to be found by rescuers.
The location of the other three workers was about 500 feet from the initial six killed crew members found in a mantrip just after the explosion.
None of the mine’s refuge chambers had been deployed, leading federal officials to believe the entire group was likely killed by the blast itself.
“None of the 22 miners underground had a chance to use their SCSRs,” Stricklin said.
“None of our miners suffered,” Manchin added. “They are in a better place and did not suffer in getting there.”
The recovery of the 22 fallen began early Saturday morning. Manchin and Stricklin noted that debris underground, long walking distances and insufficient recovery equipment would all lead to slow progress bringing everyone to the surface.
About 15 rescue teams, or about 150 crew members, were all on hand to assist with the efforts.
State and federal regulators still have not confirmed the cause of the explosion, though some experts have told various media outlets that methane combined with coal dust may be related.
“We don’t know [the cause]… that’s what the investigation is for,” Stricklin said, promising that “no stone will be left unturned” as regulators seek answers, including the extent of the apparent underground fire that resulted in rescue-prohibiting smoke.
MSHA spokesperson Amy Louviere confirmed over the weekend that recovery efforts were still ongoing Sunday and an investigation would commence Monday local time.
West Virginia Medical Examiner spokesperson John Law told the Associated Press that the first group of individuals recovered have arrived in Charleston and will receive examinations. Once complete, they will be returned to their families.
One worker also remains in a local hospital for injuries; officials have not released the worker’s identity or condition.
As recovery efforts continue and the incident investigation begins, extra nitrogen tanks have arrived at Upper Big Branch in the event that gas levels rise once again.
Mapping of the workers’ locations is also being completed to assist experts in determining cause as well as a timeline of events.
"The only good thing that can come out of this is to educate everyone, create regulations if needed and make sure nothing like this happens ever again," Stricklin said.
The names of the 29 killed at UBB have not yet been released by company officials or regulators, but various news services have reported that 28 were Massey employees and one was a contract worker.
Some of those lost include:
Carl Acord, 52
Jason Atkins, 25
Kenny Chapman, 53
Robert Clark, 41
Cory Davis, 20
Timmy Davis Sr, 51
Steve Harrah, 40
Rick Lane, 45
William R Lynch, 59
Josh Napper, 25
Gary Quarles, 33
Deward Scott, 58
Benny R Willingham, 61
Ricky Workman, 50
Howard "Boone" Payne, early 50s
Ricky Workman
William "Bob" Griffith
Keep reading International Longwall News for more details and information about the Upper Big Branch operation and events surrounding the explosion.
