Federal mine safety agency appoints team to investigate West Virginia mine explosion

Safety team appointed to investigate mine blast

WASHINGTON — The Labor Department’s Mine Safety and Health Administration has appointed a special team of investigators to look into the blast that has killed at least 25 workers at a coal mine in West Virginia.

The team includes safety officials from outside the district normally responsible for enforcement at the Upper Big Branch South Mine where the incident occurred.

Labor secretary Hilda Solis says the team will evaluate all aspects of the accident, including possible causes and the operator’s compliance with federal health and safety standards.

The team will be led by Norman Page, a 25-year veteran of the mine safety agency who manages its district office in Pikeville, Ky.

The team will issue a formal report on its findings and conclusions.