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January 21, 2011

Probe: Mine Disaster Preventable, Massey Violated Key Regulations 
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A federal investigation has found last year's West Virginia coal mine
disaster was preventable and followed negligence by the mine's owner,
Massey Energy. In a preliminary report [Download pdf], the Mine Safety
and Health Administration says Massey repeatedly violated federal rules
on ventilation and minimizing coal dust to reduce the risk of explosion.
Investigators say a small flare-up of methane gas sparked a massive coal
dust blast. Their report says there is no evidence to support Massey's
claim that a burst of gas from a hole in the mine floor overwhelmed
safety mechanisms. Twenty-nine workers were killed in the explosion.



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