Massey announces plans for internal review of deadly W.Va. mine explosion

Massey to review deadly W.Va. mine blast

JULIAN, W.Va. — Massey Energy says it’s going to conduct extensive reviews of an explosion that killed 29 people at a West Virginia coal mine.

Massey said Friday in a statement that its aim is to prevent similar explosions. The statement also responds to criticisms about the safety record of the Upper Big Branch mine where the blast occurred. The mine has been cited for numerous violations of federal mining rules.

Massey says it does not condone any violation. The company also says the mine has less than one federal violation per day, which is about the national average.

The firm says most violations are resolved the day they are issued.

Massey maintains its safety record has been better than the industry average for 17 of the past 19 years.