A West Virginia man who was injured in a deadly Upshur County mine explosion is in criticalbut stablecondition, West Virginia University trauma director Lawrence Roberts, M.D., announced at an 8 a.m. news conference at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.

According to Roberts, Randal McCloy Jr.’s injuries include a collapsed lung and severe dehydration. Because McCloy is sedated, physicians cannot conclude if he sustained any head injury. Roberts attributed McCloy’s injuries to prolonged immobility and dehydration. McCloy did suffer some carbon monoxide poisoning, but those levels have been reversing themselves since he was first taken to the hospital.

McCloy has been under Roberts’care since approximately 3 a.m. this morning, when he arrived at Ruby Memorial Hospital. He was transferred to Morgantown from St. Joseph Hospital in Buckhannon.

Roberts couldn’t speculate when McCloy will be awake and able to talk. With the breathing tube, Roberts explained, any talking or sounds are limited. Keeping McCloy sedated helps with the treatment of his injuries. He will possibly be awakened late today or tomorrow.

McCloy was breathing spontaneously when he was first treated at St. Joseph hospital but was short of breath, which is why the breathing tube was inserted. He continues to breath spontaneously, but is assisted by a ventilator. At this point, McCoy’s treatment is focused on fluid management and evaluating his electrolytes and keeping him sedated, Roberts said.

McCloy will remain at WVU Hospitals for his treatment with no plans to transport him to another facility for care.