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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Despite a decline in fatal accidents, federal statistics show 2007 was among the deadliest in recent years for U.S. coal miners.
According to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, 32 miners died on the job during the year, including eight in West Virginia. By comparison, 47 miners, including 24 in West Virginia, were killed on the job in 2006.
However, last year's toll exceeded the number of fatalities recorded in six years dating back to 1994.
Most of the fatal accidents in 2007 involved one or two miners. However, six died after a cave-in at Utah's Crandall Canyon mine. Three rescuers also were killed while trying to reach those men.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
