[2111USMC]

"why is this a national media (and even freeper) lead story? what about mining accidents is so riveting to the nation compared to other occupational deaths.

Because it involves human life. Both the trapped and the rescue personnel.

It's news.

(It's also a helluva lot more important than some whale dying after a rescue attempt in a British river. JMHO)

[Armedanddangerous]

It's because these are good, hard working people who work at an inherently dangerous job.

I value them 10,0000 times more than a damn slimy whale.

[cake_crumb]

"Because it involves human life. Both the trapped and the rescue personnel."

Every occupational death involves human life!