Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Mine Rescue Halted
WEST VIRGINIA....
The search for 4 missing miners inside Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch Mine came to a temporary halt Tuesday to allow time for a drilling operation to try to vent the mine. At Tuesday’s noon-time briefing on the explosion that killed at least 25 miners, Governor Joe Manchin, MSHA administrator Kevin Stricklin and state Secretary of Mine Safety and Health Ron Wooten were pressed on issues regarding past safety problems at the mine. Wooten promised a thorough probe in the investigation into what caused the deadly explosion. MSHA's Kevin Stricklin said, “Give us an opportunity to conduct a full investigation and we’ll leave no stone unturned.” Governor Joe Manchin and Congressman Nick Rahall both promised hearings after the investigation is concluded. Rahall says he has already spoken with the proper chairman, and there will be a Congressional hearing. During a 5:00 P.M. news conference, officials said drilling should be completed between noon and 2:00 P.M. Wednesday. Air levels will be checked for methane gas, and, if safe, the search will continue.
The search for 4 missing miners inside Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch Mine came to a temporary halt Tuesday to allow time for a drilling operation to try to vent the mine. At Tuesday’s noon-time briefing on the explosion that killed at least 25 miners, Governor Joe Manchin, MSHA administrator Kevin Stricklin and state Secretary of Mine Safety and Health Ron Wooten were pressed on issues regarding past safety problems at the mine. Wooten promised a thorough probe in the investigation into what caused the deadly explosion. MSHA's Kevin Stricklin said, “Give us an opportunity to conduct a full investigation and we’ll leave no stone unturned.” Governor Joe Manchin and Congressman Nick Rahall both promised hearings after the investigation is concluded. Rahall says he has already spoken with the proper chairman, and there will be a Congressional hearing. During a 5:00 P.M. news conference, officials said drilling should be completed between noon and 2:00 P.M. Wednesday. Air levels will be checked for methane gas, and, if safe, the search will continue.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:27 PM 
