SAGO — Twenty years ago today, an explosion and collapse at the Sago Mine in Upshur County trapped 13 miners underground, resulting in the deaths of 12. Only one miner survived the nearly two-day ordeal.
The disaster, one of the deadliest in West Virginia’s coal mining history, drew national attention as rescue teams and local responders worked to reach the trapped men. Emergency crews drilled airholes to provide ventilation, while families and the community awaited news at the Sago Baptist Church. Initial reports incorrectly stated all 13 miners had been rescued before officials confirmed that only one had survived. During the disaster, 12 coal miners selflessly gave up their own oxygen to save Randal McCloy Jr., a young husband and father.
The miners who lost their lives were:
- Tom Anderson, 39, of Rock Cave
- Jerry Lee Groves, 56, of Cleveland, Webster County
- James Bennett, 61, of Volga
- George Junior Hamner, 54, of Glady Fork
- Marty Bennett, 51, of Buckhannon
- Terry Helms, 50, of Newburg, Preston County
- Jesse L. Jones, 44, of Pickens
- Fred G. Ware Jr., 59, of Tallmansville
- David Lewis, 28, of Thornton, Taylor County
- Jackie Weaver, 51, of Philippi
- Martin Toler Jr., 51, of Flatwoods
- Marshall Winans, 50, of Belington
Rescue efforts involved a combination of professional crews and local drilling teams working through snow and rain to reach the miners. A memorial now stands at Sago Baptist Church to honor the lives lost in the tragedy.
