Investigators set to go underground to search for clues in deadly W.Va. mine explosion

Investigators to make first visit to W.Va. mine

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Investigators are preparing for their first visit into the West Virginia coal mine where 29 men died in a massive explosion in April.

The blast was the nation’s deadliest coal mining disaster in 40 years.

Toxic and explosive gases have kept federal and state investigators out Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch mine for nearly two months. No one has entered the mine since rescuers removed the final victims in April.

Investigators won’t be able to get as deep into the mine on Wednesday as they had planned because a projected borehole has not penetrated the mine.

Massey Energy is based in Richmond, Va.