DRENNEN, W.Va. — The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has released a preliminary report on the Nov. 8 flooding at Rolling Thunder Mine, which killed section foreman Steven Lipscomb.

According to the report, the inundation occurred around 12:30 p.m., and Lipscomb, 42, with 19 years of mining experience, was recorded deceased at 12:40 p.m. Twenty-four miners were underground at the time, but no other injuries were reported.

State officials and Lipscomb’s wife, Heather, said he became trapped after working to ensure his fellow miners escaped safely.

“He was more worried about everybody else getting out and getting to safety, more than he was concerned about himself,” she said.

Following the incident, rescue crews immediately began searching for Lipscomb. Teams worked around th

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