UPDATE
Kathy Cosco, with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, said the incident at the Samples Mine Complex wasn't really an explosion. It was a valve that malfunctioned under high pressure and "burst."
That's where the "shrapnel" and injury to the Cabot Oil and Gas employee occurred.
The valve was something called a well separator. It separates water from the gas, according to Cosco.
The gas inside the separator is pressurized, and that's why it sounded like an explosion when the valve ruptured.
UPDATE
A spokesman for Cabot Oil and Gas said that three employees were working on a well site at the Samples Mine Complex Thursday afternoon, when there was a pressure explosion at the well.
One of the employees was hit with some flying debris. He was taken to Charleston Area Medical Center and is expected to be OK.
UPDATE
Metro Communications is reporting an explosion at an eastern Kanawha County Mine complex.
A pressure explosion was reported just after 3 p.m. at the Samples Mine Complex near Cabin Creek.
George Stark, a spokesman for Cabot Oil and Gas, told 13News that a Cabot employee suffered non life-threatening injuries.
The employee was able to walk to a waiting ambulance and is being treated at Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston.
Cabot Oil and Gas operates a well at the Samples Mine Complex, according to Stark.
According to Stark, despite reports of an pressure explosion, there is no evidence of any fire.
An investigation into the cause of the incident is under way.
ORGINIAL STORY
Metro Communications is reporting an explosion at an eastern Kanawha County Mine complex.
A pressure explosion was reported just after 3 p.m. at the Samples Mine Complex. One person has been taken to an area hospital.
The explosion happened above ground. A salt water tank is leaking but no chemicals are in the tank.
Fire crews are on the scene.
Stay tuned to 13 News for information on this developing story.
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