>The awful, tragic mining accident in West Viriginia and the erroneous media response brings something into high relief.
>
>Why is it "a miracle" if they are saved, and not a whisper on the opposite idea?
>http://pharyngula.org/index/weblog/comments/that_curious_religious_asymmetry/

The article in the BBC points to another problem, namely, that news sources apparently copied the incorrect information one from another, stating that the miners had survived. In other words, there is at least the possibility of widespread unprofessional reporting.

If such a miracle does occur, well, as a proof of the existence of God, it certainly is quite doubtful.

Just as doubtful is the opposite: the fact that something tragic happens doesn't necessarily disprove the existence of God (or at least of a benevolent God). If a benevolent God exists, we can assume that He knows what is best for us, better than we do. (Note that most religions don't believe that everything is over once we die.)