|
 Printer-Friendly Version
MSHA News Release: [01/04/2006]
Contact Name: Dirk
Fillpot
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number:
06-18-NAT
Federal Mine Safety Agency Launches Accident
Investigation
Eight-Member Team to Probe Cause of West Virginia
Mine Explosion, Handling of Information on Trapped Miners' Condition
ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety
and Health Administration (MSHA) today launched its investigation into the
underground coal mine explosion that killed 12 miners and seriously injured one
additional miner. The blast occurred on Monday, Jan. 2, at the Sago Mine in
Upshur County, W.Va. The mine was acquired last year by International Coal
Group Inc.
"The purpose of MSHA's investigation is to determine what caused the
explosion and whether any safety and health standards were violated," said
David G. Dye, acting assistant secretary for mine safety and health. "Then we
can take effective action to prevent such tragedies in the future."
An independent team of MSHA mine safety professionals will evaluate all
aspects of the accident and response, including potential causes, compliance
with federal health and safety standards, and how emergency information was
relayed about the trapped miners' condition. The team will examine the accident
site, interview mine personnel and others with relevant information, review
records and plans, and inspect any mining equipment that was involved in the
accident. Findings and conclusions will be summarized in a formal report that
will identify root causes of the accident and document how the incident
unfolded. Any contributing violations of federal mine safety standards that may
exist will also be cited at the conclusion of the investigation.
The investigative team is made up of federal mine safety professionals
and experts from around the country. Heading the team is Richard A. Gates, MSHA
district manager in Birmingham, Ala. Gates has held a number of positions in
his 18-year career with the agency, including ventilation specialist, mining
engineer and assistant district manager. Assisting Gates will be John Urosek
and Richard Stoltz, ventilation experts in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Dennis Swentosky,
ventilation supervisor in Hunker, Pa.; Robert Bates, electrical supervisor in
Pikeville, Ky.; Joseph O'Donnell, field office supervisor in Bessemer, Ala.;
Clete Stephan, an engineer in Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Gary Harris, a special
investigator in Barbourville, Ky. James Crawford, Tim Williams and Bob Wilson,
attorneys with the Department of Labor's Solicitor's Office in Arlington, Va.,
will assist the investigation team.
Throughout this process, MSHA will work closely with the West Virginia
Office of Miners' Health Safety and Training to gather the facts. Since the
initial hours of the incident, MSHA personnel have maintained a constant
presence at the disaster site, accompanying mine rescue teams underground,
providing technical assistance and monitoring ongoing conditions at the site.
| |
|
