W.Va. congressman vows thorough probe of mine blast that killed 25, 4 still missing

W.Va. congressman vows probe of mine blast

MONTCOAL, W.Va. — West Virginia Congressman Nick Rahall says there will be a thorough investigation into what caused a mine explosion that has killed 25 people.

Rahall said at a news conference Tuesday that if new laws need to be written, he’s ready to do it. Rahall says every mine safety law on the books has been written with coal miners’ blood following a tragedy.

Rahall represents the area that includes Massey Energy Co.’s sprawling Upper Big Branch mine where the explosion occurred. Four miners are still missing.