Tuesday morning, the search for survivors within the Montcoal, West Virginia mine explosion was called off. Massey Energy, the owner of the Montcoal, WV mine, has been regularly cited for safety violation. The little town of Montcoal, WV relies mostly on the coal mine and Massey Energy. Montcoal houses basically the mine, a grocery store, a payday loan store and many homes. When the search for survivors of the coal mine explosion was called off, 25 were dead and 4 were missing.
Coal mine explosion in Montcoal, WV
There was a critical explosion in the coal mine in Montcoal, WV at 3 p.m. local time on Monday. Communications were knocked out by the methane gas explosion. Dogs that are specially trained for mine disasters were called in to help with the search. One U.S. Department of Labor mine safety administrator has stated that he believes at least seven of the miners were killed when “riding out of the mine on a vehicle”. Roof collapse is not currently suspected in the Montcoal coal mine explosion. Poisonous and combustible methane gas is instead blamed for the explosion.
Miners trapped within the Montcoal WV mine explosion
Some had thought miners might have been able to reach emergency chambers when the coal mine explosion happened. Reinforced and stocked with food, water and air, these emergency chambers can support several miners for several days. These chambers are like payday loans, these emergency chambers are only helpful if the miners are able to reach them. However, it seems the coal mine explosion might have killed all 29 or 30 individuals which were within the coal mine at the time.
Massey Energy had been cited for safety violations
The exact reasons for the Montcoal coal mine explosion are not yet known. However, Massey Energy has been cited for dangerous conditions multiple times. In the last three months, Massey Energy has been cited six times. Massey Energy has paid over $ 380,000 in fines for repeated violations at the Montcoal, WV mine.
Montcoal will receive federal aid
The president has offered federal aid to the rescue effort. The Red Cross is also sending mental health services to the area. Churches and civic groups are also providing assistance services. Massey Energy has confirmed some of the deaths, but it holding back names until families can be informed. Massey Energy released a statement by their C.E.O. stating “Our top priority is the safety of our miners and the well-being of their families”.
Sources:
LA Times
Washington Post
Newsweek
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