Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Montcoal West Virginia mine explosion: Massey Energy questioned

Tuesday morning, the search for survivors within the Montcoal, West Virginia mine explosion was called off. Massey Energy, the owner of the Montcoal, WV mine, has been regularly cited for safety violation. The small town of Montcoal, WV relies mostly on the coal mine and Massey Energy. 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

There was a serious explosion within the coal mine in Montcoal, WV at 3 p.m. local time on Monday. Communications were knocked out by the methane gas explosion. The search for survivors of the Montcoal, WV, coal mine explosion included specially trained mine disaster dogs. 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”. Roof collapse is not currently suspected within the Montcoal coal mine explosion. The explosion is being blamed on combustible methane gas.

Coal mine explosion traps Montcoal miners

When the coal mine explosion happened, some had thought the miners might have been able to reach emergency chambers. Reinforced and stocked with food, water and air, these emergency chambers can support several miners for several days. Like payday loans no fax, however, these chambers are only helpful if the miners were actually able to reach them. It seems that the coal mine explosion may have killed up to 29 miners.

Massey Energy previously cited for coal mine safety violations

The exact reasons for the Montcoal coal mine explosion are not yet known. Massey Energy has received several citations for dangerous conditions within the Montcoal mine. Six citations are issued to Massey Energy in the last three months. 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

After the coal mine explosion, President Obama offered federal assistance to the rescue efforts. The Red Cross is also trying to get mental health services to the “very rural” location. Churches and civic groups are also providing assistance services. Massey Energy has verified 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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