Mine Accident Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Blankenship on Trial: A Max Sentence

Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship received the maximum sentence for his misdemeanor charge of conspiring to violate federal mine safety laws. His sentence- one year in prison and a $250,000 fine- was the maximum that could be order by a federal judge.

In this episode of Blankenship on Trial, host Scott Finn discuss what it was like both inside and outside the courtroom Wednesday with Ashton Marra, West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Assistant News Director, and Mike Hissam, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and partner at the Charleston law firm Bailey & Glasser.

State Cites Patriot Coal in Mine Accident

State mining officials are citing Patriot Coal for serious violations during a severe coal burst that killed two miners in May.

The enforcement action by the state Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training says the mine did not have proper support in its walls and roofs.

On May 12, miners Eric Legg and Gary Hensley were killed at the Brody Mine No. 1 after coal shot out at them.

A report released Monday says a similar coal burst occurred three days earlier in the Boone County mine. It covered a worker in coal up to his waist, but didn’t injure him. Mining continued the next day.

The Charleston Gazette first reported on the enforcement.

Patriot spokeswoman Janine Orf said the company can’t comment on ongoing investigations or legal matters.

Eight Injured in Accident at Greenbrier Co. Mine

State and federal mine safety officials are investigating an accident that injured eight workers at a Greenbrier County mine.

The state Office of Miners’ Safety, Health and Training tells media outlets that a mantrip lost its brakes on an incline at the Greenbrier Minerals Mountaineer Pocahontas No. 1 near Rupert. A mantrip is a vehicle that transports miners underground.

The accident occurred around midnight Tuesday.

Three workers were treated at an area hospital and released. Two workers remain hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. Three others declined medical treatment.

Greenbrier Minerals vice president Garry Groves says the mine employs about 125 workers. The company also is investigating the accident.