Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Montcoal mine explosion raises questions about Massey Energy

The search for survivors has been called off in the Montcoal, West Virginia mine explosion. Mine owner Massey Energy is one of the nation’s largest coal producers, and Massey Energy was repeatedly cited for safety violations at the site of the Montcoal, WV mine explosion. Montcoal, West Virginia relies on Massey Energy for a large part of the economy. The city of Montcoal has basically a grocery store, a payday loan store, and several homes. When the search for survivors of the coal mine explosion was called off, 25 were dead and 4 were missing.

Montcoal, WV coal mine explosion

The coal mine explosion in Montcoal, West Virginia, occurred at 3 p.m. local time in Raleigh County, WV. The explosion, most likely set off by vented methane gas, knocked out wired and wireless communications. The search for survivors of the Montcoal, WV, coal mine explosion included specially trained mine disaster dogs. A Department of Labor mine safety administrator said he believes some of the miners were killed while “riding out of the mine of a vehicle”. Roof collapse is not currently suspected in the Montcoal coal mine explosion. The explosion is being blamed on combustible methane gas.

Miners trapped by the Montcoal mine explosion

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 within the chambers. Like payday loans no fax, however, these chambers are only helpful if the miners were actually able to reach them. The coal mine explosion might have killed all 29 miners underground.

Safety violations had been a concern of Massey Energy

The exact cause of the mine explosion in Montcoal is not yet known. However, Massey Energy has been cited for dangerous conditions multiple times. In the last three months, Massey Energy has been cited six times. In the last year, Massey Energy has paid more than $ 380,000 in fines for “repeated serious violations” of safety at the Montcoal, WV coal mine.

Montcoal, WV to receive federal aid

The president has offered federal aid to the rescue effort. The Red Cross is also sending mental health services to the area. Support services are also being offered by local churches. Seven of the 25 deaths have been confirmed by Massey Energy. The C.E.O. of 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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