Terrible blast in WVA mine...

[R13]

(CNN) -- An explosion occurred Monday in a West Virginia mine, leaving more than 20 people unaccounted for, said Jimmy Gianato, director of homeland security for the state.

West Virginia's state mine director reported that six coal miners were dead and 21 were missing after the explosion in Raleigh County, according to CNN affiliate WCHS.

The explosion happened at about 4:30 p.m. at Massey Energy's Performance Coal Co. mine in Whitesville, 30 miles south of Charleston, it said.

WCHS: Six deaths reported

The company identified the facility as Upper Big Branch Mine.

Rescue teams and state and federal agencies were responding.

Massey Energy Co., based in Richmond, Virginia, has operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia. It is the largest coal producer in Central Appalachia, it said in a statement.

Blast reported at West Virginia mine; More than 20 unaccounted for - CNN.com

[Milk3]

I hate hearing this stuff I have so many family members and friends that work in the mines it just makes me sick

[Unchained]

The death toll is now at 25. May God hold up the families of those lost. I have so much respect for the men who do that dangerous and hard job to put food on the table.

[centennialdawg]

A few years ago, there were several people from this area who got jobs at that very mine because of better pay and benefits. Let's all hope none of those people were there and let's all pray for the families and community that this tragedy has affected.

[R13]

Search for miners after deadly blast could take days - CNN.com

Good updated article on it, 25 dead and 4 missing. My step-dad is a miner, his brother, my grandfather was, my uncle was, great-grandfather was...a big reason why everyone of them told me to never go into the mines, this hits close to home with a lot of us.

[Unchained]

Search for miners after deadly blast could take days - CNN.com

Good updated article on it, 25 dead and 4 missing. My step-dad is a miner, his brother, my grandfather was, my uncle was, great-grandfather was...a big reason why everyone of them told me to never go into the mines, this hits close to home with a lot of us.

My grandmother's first husband was killed in the mines. She was left very young and with 3 little ones to raise. You'll find alot of folk around who who felt that kind of sorrow sadly.