One Year Anniversary of Deadliest Coal Mining Explosion in Decades

April 5, marked the one year anniversary of one of the deadliest coal mining explosions since the 1970s in the United States. For many of us the 29 coal miners who died in the Upper Big Branch Mine have slipped from our memories. But for the families of West Virginia's Upper Big Branch miners, the memory is still raw.

Raleigh county WV families gathered at memorial services across the county on April 5 to share their sorrow with prayers and tears, while churches across the state rang bells 29 times at 3 p.m.--the estimated time of the explosion--in memory of the 29 dead miners.

The Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce also unveiled and dedicated a historical marker to remember the disaster, which will be placed on the court house lawn.

A group of three students involved in the West Virginia Uncovered program at West Virginia University's P.I. Reed School of Journalism officially launched their interactive memorial named Faces of the mine to honor the 29 lost miners. The website is based mostly on community contributions. The students plan to hand the website over to community members who have been involved throughout the building process to moderate and maintain the site.

Massey Energy Co., the operator of the mine, halted underground production in West Virginia, Virginia and Kentucky. Massey blames a sudden inundation of natural gas that overwhelmed all safety systems.

Federal officials will hold a public meeting on June 29 to impart findings of their investigation.

Sources:

Mining Reform Still not a Reality after Upper Big Branch Mining Tragedy, WSAZ News Staff

Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster, Wikipedia