25 miners killed after West Virginia mine explosion, 4 missing; 7 bodies have been identified. Monday afternoon an explosion in a coal mine in West Virginia killed 25 miners, four are still missing. The mine explosion is being called the worst in the US in 25 years. Only seven of the bodies found have been identified so far, which makes it difficult for the families.
Massey Energy owns the Upper Big Branch mine and they are being heavily criticized Tuesday morning for safety issues that have plagued the company; Massey Energy was fined millions of dollars over the past few years for health and safety violations for dangerous conditions, Good Morning America reported Tuesday morning.
The search for possible survivors was called off around 2 am because of heavy gases that are coming out of the mine, making it unsafe for rescue workers.
The families and community have come together as the death toll rose through the night.
Initially, mine officials mentioned areas of the mine that have airtight chambers stocked with food and water that were located about 1 ½ miles below ground and offered hope to some of the families. If miners made it to one of those areas they could survive for several days.
An investigation is underway to discover the cause of the explosion.
The Los Angeles Time reported the following violations in the past few weeks:
Violations in recent weeks include cracking and collapsing of mine walls on Feb. 21; ventilation problems on March 17, March 23 and March 30; drill dust on March 25; and inadequate air quality on March 23; according to U.S. records.
President Obama made a statement Tuesday morning saying that he hopes the families find comfort. Obama spoke to West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III last night and offered assistance.
The mine explosion in West Virginia reminds many Utah residents of a terrible mine explosion in August of 2007 at the Crandall Canyon Mine in Emery County, Utah. Six bodies of the miners were never recovered from the mine, and a few days later three rescue workers were killed in the same area.
To see a slideshow of photos of the mine after the explosion, click here.
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Comments
Prays go out to the familys. My husband was a miner for 14 yrs. They are plenty of risks when you go into a mine. But the work has to be done. They go in there for themselves and their family. They know each an everyday, they go in there is always some risks that goes along with that job. But its their way of life.
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