Massey: Air samples taken before deadly mine blast didn’t show high levels of explosive gases
By Lawrence Messina, APMonday, April 26, 2010
Massey: W.Va. mine clear of gases before explosion
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Air samples did not show high levels of explosive gases just before an explosion in a West Virginia coal mine that killed 29 workers, the mine’s owner said Monday.
Massey Energy Co. board director Stanley Suboleski said the samples were taken by a foreman as part of a shift change exam of the mine. The examination also showed that air flow in the Upper Big Branch mine was fine.
Suboleski said all indications were that “at the start of the shift, everything was OK.” The explosion occurred in the late afternoon of April 5.
Two other miners were injured in the explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine.
Massey held a news conference Monday to address several issues related to the explosion. The news conference was held a day after President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Gov. Joe Manchin led a memorial for the fallen miners.
Massey Board Director Bobby Inman called allegations that the company put profits over safety a “big lie.” He blamed such sentiment on the United Mine Workers’ leaders and plaintiffs lawyers.
Massey is facing a shareholder lawsuit stemming from the explosion, as well as wrongful death litigation and mounting scrutiny from regulators.
Tags: Accidents, Barack Obama, Charleston, Energy, Explosions, Government Regulations, Industry Regulation, Labor Issues, North America, Personnel, United States, West Virginia
