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| September 10th, 2007 |
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Media Contact(s): Jared Whitley 202-224-5251 |
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FLOOR SPEECH: THE CRANDALL CANYON MINE TRAGEDY
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Washington - Today the U.S. Senate passed a resolution authored by Senators Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett (R-Utah) regarding the recent Crandall Canyon Mine disaster. The resolution honors the six miners who were trapped, the three rescue workers who were killed, and the many others who were injured. It also honors the community and rescue crews for their outstanding efforts in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Hatch's prepared remarks follow.
Mr. President. In the early morning hours of August 6, 2007, my home state of Utah suffered a seismic event at the Crandall Canyon Mine in Emery County. This “mountain bump” set off a chain of events that have culminated in great tragedy and tremendous sorrow.
As a team of miners were working their shift at the Crandall Canyon Mine, the earth shifted and debris and ruin rained down trapping six men, all of whom are still missing.
As news began to travel regarding the collapse and the lives in peril – crews began working to somehow, someway free these six men. As one day turned into the next, and hopes were lifted, just to sadly be dashed, one thing has remained constant – men and women from all walks of life have come together to fight for Manuel Sanchez, Kerry Allred, Luis Hernandez, Carlos Payan, Brandon Phillips and Don Erickson.
The list is long and varied of many who have sacrificed and given their time, knowledge, and resources to help in this tragedy. The list includes officials from the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration; Murray Energy Corporation; the United States Air Force; Utah’s Departments of Public Safety, Natural Resources and Human Services; the Utah Air National Guard; local, state and national government; and last but perhaps most importantly of all the men, women and children living in the communities impacted by this tragedy.
As our state and nation watched closely day after day for news of hope and rescue, we suffered another devastating blow the evening of August 16, 2007 when another seismic bump inside the mine buried rescue crews in coal and debris. As another new tragedy unfolded, many flew into action to now rescue the rescuers. People rushed to the scene to offer aid and valiantly try to save additional lives. Stories are told of miners using their bare hands to dig out buried miners.
As we heard the news of first one rescuers death, then another, and another – it is difficult to describe the overwhelming sorrow and disbelief Utahns felt at the deaths of those who had risked everything for their co-workers, friends, and fellow miners.
Many were saved that evening, but sadly three lost their lives for others.
Dale Black was in the mine desperately trying to reach his cousin, Kerry Allred. In fact he wasn’t even supposed to have been in the mine that evening. He had been promoted the day before and would now be assigned as a rescue manager, working outside the mine. However, as Dale’s brother Guy stated, “That’s Dale. He wouldn’t have let his guys go in without him.”
Gary Lynn “Gibb” Jensen from Redmond, Utah was an employee working for MSHA who was no stranger to mining. He had been in the mining industry in various capacities for 35 years and was described by others as someone who steered his career toward mine safety. He never hesitated to better the lives of his fellow “coal” miners.
And finally, Brandon Kimber, a father of a five-year-old daughter and twin four-year-old boys. He was relatively new to the mining industry, only working in the mines for 31/2 years. He was described as an unselfish, wonderful man who never hesitated to help others.
Dale Black, Brandon Kimber, and Gary Jensen will long be remembered for their selfless acts that day. These were three humble miners – who are now three wonderful heroes.
As our state and nation grapples with this tragedy and looks for answers, I do not want us in our haste to solve this tragedy overlook the contributions miners and the mining industry has made to America for many, many years.
Mining is a community, it is a brotherhood, and it helps fuel our economy and growth. Generations of Utahns from many of our communities have toiled in and helped propel the mining industry. Many men and women return home each evening with faces marred by coal dust, and tired bodies. However, to many Utahns mining is a way of life and their contributions to this important industry must always be appreciated.
As I have traveled throughout our state and nation, some of the most wonderful people I have met and talked with are miners. They are humble, they work hard, and they display courage each day as they enter the mines to make a living and support their families.
Throughout the communities bordering the Crandall Canyon Mine, you don’t need to travel far to see a sign, a t-shirt, or some other display urging all to “save our miners,” “pray for our miners,” and “love our miners.” I have witnessed first-hand the courage, fortitude, and heroism of many wonderful people to do all three – save, pray, and love our miners.
Mr. President. I have been saddened greatly by the events that have transpired in my home state throughout the past several weeks. The Crandall Canyon Mine collapse and tragedy will forever be remembered for the grief we shared as a state, and the valiant, and courageous efforts displayed by many. In the depths of this tragedy heroes emerged, and our faith in the human spirit lives on through the sacrifices made by many to comfort, and save the lives of others.
Senator Bennett and I have introduced a resolution honoring the sacrifice of the miners and rescue workers and expressing the condolences of the Senate and our nation to their families. I urge my colleagues to lend their support to this resolution.
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