Legal News for West Virginia Employment Attorneys. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is expected to probe a coal mine explosion that killed 25 miners.
News for West Virginia employment attorneys- Twenty-five miners suffered fatal injuries in a Massey Energy coal mine explosion.
Julian, WV—A devastating coal mine explosion resulted in 25 fatalities Monday, April 5, 2010 in West Virginia, and was deemed to be the worst mining catastrophe to take place in the state since 1968. The deadly blast occurred at Massey Energy’s Performance Coal Co. Upper Big Brand Mine-South coal mine, located approximately 30 miles away from Charleston, West Virginia, reported WCHSTV.com.
According to information provided, the violent explosion was detonated at approximately 3 p.m., and prompted local and state authorities, including emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, to respond to the scene. Mine safety authorities reported seven miners, all of whom suffered fatal injuries in the blast, were apparently beginning to drive away from the site when the explosion happened. Reports also noted that although four Massey Energy miners allegedly remain trapped within the damaged mine, rescue operations were forced to come to a temporary standstill due to hazardous conditions underground.
The fatal Massey Energy coal mine explosion seemingly shook the nation, with President Obama offering his sincere condolences and assistance from the federal government with regard to the ongoing rescue efforts. West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller also stated, “Sharon and I are heartbroken along with the community by the tragic news unfolding of the explosion at Upper Big Branch South mine—we are sending all of our prayers and thoughts to the brave miners and their families… I am working with state and federal officials to get as much information as possible and I am doing all I can to help make sure all resources are made available for this rescue effort.”
The United States Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is expected to conduct a full investigation into the immensely unfortunate coal mine disaster, which was reported to be the fourth fatal incident to occur at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch Mine since it opened in 1994.
Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for West Virginia Employment Lawyers.
