A news release from the Department of Commerce said Eric Legg, 48, of Twilight and Gary Hensley, 46, of Chapmanville were killed in the incident on Monday night.

Nobody else was injured.

The report says inspectors are on site investigating and preliminary indications are that the incident resulted from a coal outburst.

That is where the side of a coal seam explodes due to geological stress.

Inspectors with the West Virginia Office of Miner's Health, Safety and Training are on scene investigating.

Patriot released a statement on the miners.

"We express our deepest sympathies to Eric and Gary's families, friends and co-workers," Patriot Executive Vice President of Operations Mike Day said.

"We are fully cooperating with state and federal mine regulatory agencies to investigate this incident."

West Virginia governor Earl Tomblin released a statement which said: "Joanne and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the two miners – Eric and Gary – who lost their lives in this tragic mining accident.

“We ask all West Virginians to continue praying for them during this very difficult time for our mining community”

The Brooke County mine has had a history of safety issues.

Brody Mine No.1 was one of only three mines in the US last year to earn the Pattern of Violations label from regulators. That is one step before health and safety authorities seek a court order to close the mine.

Agencies such as the Mines Safety and Health Authority have put greater emphasis on mine safety since the 2010 Upper Big Branch explosion killed 29 miners.

UBB is only 10 miles away from Brody Mine No.1.