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Thursday, April 15, 2010

Massey Energy questioned about Montcoal mine explosion

In Montcoal, WV the search for survivors after a mine explosion has been called off. The owner and operator of the Montcoal, West Virginia mine, Massey Energy, has been repeatedly cited for violations of safety protocol. The economy of Montcoal, WV relies heavily on Massey Energy. Montcoal houses basically the mine, a grocery store, a payday loan store and many homes. When the search for survivors of the coal mine explosion was called off, 25 were dead and 4 were missing.

Explosion in the Montcoal, WV coal mine

The coal mine explosion in Montcoal, West Virginia, occurred at 3 p.m. local time in Raleigh County, WV. Communications were knocked out by the methane gas explosion. Dogs that have been specially trained for mine disasters were called in to help with the search. One U.S. Department of Labor mine safety administrator has stated that he believes at least seven of the miners were killed when “riding out of the mine on a vehicle”. The Montcoal coal mine explosion is not suspected to are a roof collapse. Instead, poisonous and combustible methane gas is suspected to have caused the West Virginia coal mine explosion.

Coal mine explosion traps Montcoal miners

Some had thought miners might have been able to reach emergency chambers when the coal mine explosion happened. Several miners can survive several days on the food, water, and air in the chambers. Like payday loans no fax, however, these chambers are only helpful if the miners were actually able to reach them. However, it appears the coal mine explosion might have killed all 29 or 30 individuals that were within the coal mine at the time.

Safety violations had been a concern of Massey Energy

The cause of the Montcoal coal mine explosion is not yet known. However, Massey Energy has been cited for dangerous conditions multiple times. Since Feb. 21, Massey Energy has received citations regarding the Montcoal coal mine six times. Serious, repeated violations of safety within the Montcoal, WV mine have cost Massey Energy $ 380,000.

Montcoal will receive federal aid

The president has offered federal aid to the rescue effort. The Red Cross is also trying to find mental health services to the “very rural” region. Local churches and civic groups are also providing food and other support services to the Montcoal, WV, community. Massey Energy has established seven of the 25 deaths from the coal mine explosion. Massey Energy also released a statement saying “Our top priority is the safety of our miners and the well-being of their families”.

Sources:

LA Times

Washington Post

Newsweek



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