Southern Community and Technical College developed the new vehicle, which will serve as a command post for mine rescues.
State officials Tuesday gathered at the Capitol to dedicate a new tool for mine rescue.
Command Unit Rapid Response Task Force 1 and Mine Rescue Truck was developed by Southern Community and Technical College in response to last year's Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.
"I am still saddened by the loss of 29 lives nearly one year ago," acting Gov. Tomblin said. "The families of the UBB tragedy have said 'Don't let this happen again'. This mine rescue truck is our response to help fulfill that request. We have made sure that it is fully equipped to provide mine rescue teams with the tools needed to greatly improve a mine rescue operation if and when called upon in the future."
The truck includes:
- Satellite GPS technology that can be used to map mines, locating bore hole sites and gas well detection
- A lab for rapid sample analysis, which includes two remote, portable labs
- Advanced lighting and weather detection
- A fully equipped mobile office with smart boards and engineering equipment
- An advanced communications system
- Video data recording
- Internal and external media presentation systems
The unit's main mission is that of a safety tool, according to information from Tomblin's office. The state Office of Miners' Health Safety and Training will use the unit for mine site evaluations.
The truck will be available for state or national mining emergencies.