Friday, May 20, 2011

Massey Fingered in Mine Blast Report

An independent investigation has concluded that the explosion at the Upper Big Branch coal mine that killed 29 men last year was the result of safety failings by owner Massey Energy.

The 113-page report released says Virginia-based Massey could have prevented the disaster by following basic safety procedures. By not following the procedures, the report finds, vast amounts of highly explosive dust to accumulated in the mine and eventually exploded.

Investigators dismissed Massey's contention that an inundation of gas overwhelmed safeguards weakened by ventilation changes ordered by federal regulators.

Read and listen to National Public Radio's coverage of the review here.

No comments: