The names were not officially released but WLBT-TV in Jackson reported the families of the missing men have identified them as Emmitt Shorter and James “Dee” Hemphill.
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Louviere said MSHA family liaisons are now on site with family members.
The news came almost a week after 10 to 12 feet of mud poured into the pit near Crystal Springs, Mississippi, burying the two workers and pieces of heavy equipment, state emergency officials said. Members of the Mississippi “Task Force 2” search party worked for five hours to free him, using their hands to move the dirt.
The men were operating heavy equipment for Green Brothers at a pit in Crystal Springs when they were buried in 10 feet to 12 feet of mud, slush and sluice about 11:30 a.m. on June 3.
“The biggest challenge is the fact that this is something that no one has never seen happen before and that is challenging because no one knows how to attack to accomplish the goal”, said Emergency Management Director Randle Drane.
Officials with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the state Fire Academy and volunteer fire departments have been sent to aid in the effort.
“I know they’re going to be out here all night until their loved ones are out of here”, Wilson said.
Despite the grim news family members who gathered at the site are hoping for a miracle.
Coleman says a dam on the back side of the pit crashed in and trapped the men inside their equipment.
The Red Cross and Salvation Army have sent emergency teams to Copiah County.
A team from the Mine Safety and Health Administration is also at the gravel pit.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration will conduct an investigation into the landslide and what caused it.
Hemphill and Shorter were buried alive last Friday morning when the gravel pit they were working in collapsed on top of them.
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The name of the second man has not been released.
