Wyoming authorities say at least 8 people were injured when a tornado touched down about 6:00 Friday night at the North Antelope Rochelle coal mine between Gillette and Douglas, the highest-producing coal mine in the United States
Campbell County Public Information Officer Leslie Perkins said early Friday evening that the twister hit during a shift change and that all workers were accounted for. Initial releases put the time at about 6:25, but Perkins says it was actually closer to 6:00.
Perkins said 6 of the injured were taken by ambulance to the Campbell County Health hospital in Gillette with another transported to Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas, all with non-life-threatening injuries.
The other injured person declined treatment beyond what they received at the scene despite recommendations to go to the hospital..
Perkins said electricity and natural gas at the mine south of Wright were shut off for safety reasons as quickly as possible with 10 units from the Campbell County Fire Department had responded along with 6 sheriff’s deputies and 3 ambulances
Perkins said the immediate focus of first-responders and North Antelope Rochelle officials was to make sure all employees were accounted for, then get them home.
Most of those who work at the mine live in the Gillette area and were taken there by school buses sent from the Campbell County School District. Arrangements were also made for employees who live in the Douglas and Casper areas
The mine is owned by Peabody Energy, which released a statement saying operations were suspended until the company can fully assess damage to the facility and begin the process of restarting safe operations.