MSHA Announces Joint Investigation and a Public Hearing
in Sago Mine Accident Investigation
WASHINGTON - David G. Dye, acting assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health, today announced that MSHA will conduct a joint investigation with the State of West Virginia into the Sago Mine Disaster, and the investigation will include a public hearing that will also be held jointly with state mine safety authorities. Dye issued the following statement:
"MSHA joins Governor Manchin and the State of West Virginia in announcing that we will conduct a joint investigation into the Sago Mine disaster, which will include a joint public hearing. West Virginia has its own mine safety inspection and enforcement agency, and we want to coordinate closely to ensure that our investigation is thorough and complete. We grieve the loss of life from this tragedy and offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of these brave men. MSHA and the state will do all we can to determine what caused this accident so we can continue to improve the safety protections for all miners. Our full investigative report will also be made available to the families and the public."