Miner dies following underground accident, officials say

Summary by The Midland Editorial Desk · Based on reporting from KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · July 4, 2026 · 1 min read

Photo: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · view original

BERRY, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) - A miner was found unresponsive underground at an active mine in Alabama and later died after being brought to the surface, officials said.Justin Calloway, 24, was working in the Warrior Met Coal mine on Highway 69 North in Berry on July 1 when a machinery accident o...

Why this matters in The Midland

The recent mining accident in Alabama serves as a stark reminder to Midland residents of the dangers faced by workers in the energy industry. Although the incident occurred outside of the Permian Basin, it has significant implications for local workers and employers. The Mine Safety and Health Administration's involvement in the investigation highlights the federal oversight that also applies to Midland's own mining and drilling operations. As the community continues to grow and rely on the energy sector, ensuring worker safety must remain a top priority. Midland's own history of energy production means that many residents have ties to the industry, and the risk of accidents is ever-present. The city's employers and regulators must take note of this incident and reaffirm their commitment to protecting workers, whether in mines, on drilling rigs, or at other energy-related sites.

About this story

Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: safety · Published: July 4, 2026 · Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · Reading time: 1 min

Frequently asked about this story

What is this story about?

When was this published?

This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

Where can I find related coverage?

See more safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs.

Summary created by	The Midland Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 4, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Miner dies following underground accident, officials say

More stories

LHS grad Chris Brazzell II begins training camp with Carolina

Basin Theatre Works brings "Sound of Music" to Odessa

From hospital rooms to home visits, Odessa nonprofit brings superheroes to children in need

Michael Jackson choreographer, 'Step Up' stars to headline Odessa fundraiser

6-year-old reportedly dies after being hit by a log truck at job site in the woods

Man accused of ‘unloading a whole magazine’ into co-worker at lumber yard; victim shot 22 times

Affidavit: Midland woman accused of striking 89-year-old with coffee mug

Dad delivers newborn with umbilical cord around baby’s neck after couple discharged from hospital

Midland woman charged with aggravated assault after alleged assualt on wife

Free dinosaur exhibit open at Midland Centennial Library through September

Odessa chocolate company says cacao bean prices have climbed amid global instability

Three people arrested in 1999 cold case murder of 14-year-old who was found dead on train tracks

Get the briefing.