A Miracle amongst A Tragedy

Today, at around 3:00 AM EST, it has been confirmed that 12 of the 13 miners, who were trapped in their mine after an explosion, had been found dead, contrary to earlier reports. Only one miner, Randal McCloy, survived the ordeal.

At 12 AM EST, word leaked out that rescue workers had found 12 of the 13 alive. Earlier at 9 PM EST, reports came in that one body was found.

This is a national tragedy. I found out about the discovery at about 6:30 AM EST. I hoped that they would be found alive, but a part of me knew otherwise.

The sole survivor is a miracle. Over 40 hours since the beginning of this event, in the cold. His youth (he is about 27, the youngest of the 13) is probably what saved him, as well as his training. He will be a vital part in the investigation into what happened there.

Right now, this is not the time to point fingers and assess blame. Let the investigation play out, the findings published, then we can look back and say who is at fault, if at all. This may be just a freak accident that may or may not have happened if safety precautions were in place.

May God bless and comfort the souls of the deceased, their families, the rescue workers who made the discoveries, and to all of the other miners around the globe.