The Sago Mine disaster occurred on January 2, 2006, in the Sago Mine located in West Virginia. A group of 13 miners was trapped underground after a sudden explosion caused by a buildup of methane gas. Rescue efforts began immediately, but the situation was complicated by the mine's conditions and the lack of communication with the trapped miners. After nearly 41 hours, only one miner, Randal McCloy, was found alive. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 12 miners and raised significant concerns about mine safety regulations and practices in the United States, leading to calls for reforms in the mining industry.