At least two people dead after mining accident east of Winnemucca - KRNV My News 4

by News 4-Fox 11 Digital Staff

VALMY, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — 

At least two people were killed and others were injured following an accident reported at a gold mine east of Winnemucca, according to the Humboldt County sheriff and company that owns the mine.

Marigold Mine in Valmy issued a mayday call at about 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, Sheriff Mike Allen confirmed to News 4-Fox 11.

The sheriff's office responded, along with Nevada Highway Patrol, firefighters and the Nevada's Division of Investigation, among other agencies in the region.

When they arrived, they determined there had been a mining accident, Allen said.

SSR Mining Inc., which owns Marigold Mine, released a statement Tuesday saying the accident "involved contact between a haul truck and a light vehicle within the open pit operations at the mine."

The mine staff activated its emergency plan and notified authorities, the statement reads, and two people have died from their injuries. It's unclear how many others were injured.

The sheriff's office is conducting a joint investigation with the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, Allen said, with state authorities providing assistance.

Operations at the mine have been suspended, and SSR Mining has started its own investigation, according to the company's statement.

The names of those killed and injured are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, according to Allen.

U.S. Sen. Dean Heller tweeted that he and his staff are monitoring the situation.

Paul Benson, SSR Mining President and CEO, released a statement:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleagues and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to their families. This incident is particularly upsetting as the health and safety of our employees is our highest priority. We are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the accident and are offering support to our colleagues' families and our employees at the mine site."