AP News, April 12th, 2007
The improper use of a cutting torch ignited an underground methane gas explosion that killed five coal miners last year, and the mine operator was fined $336,000 for the violations, federal investigators said late Thursday.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration met with the miners' family members to discuss their investigation of the deadly blast before their report was released to the public.
Kentucky Darby Mine No. 1 violated six safety and health laws, including the torch and flawed construction of the safety barrier that caused the blast at Darby Mine No. 1, according to the report.
"Violations of mandatory mine safety laws led to the fatal accident taking the lives of five miners at the Darby Mine," Richard E. Stickler, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health, said in a statement. "We at MSHA extend our thoughts and prayers to the families for their losses, and we thank them for their patience as we worked to complete our investigation."
Four months ago, state investigators announced a similar conclusion, saying mine operators knew methane was penetrating the safety barrier and should have corrected the problem when it was first detected.
State inspectors issued seven citations to Kentucky Darby for safety violations. Some of those violations, investigators said, were directly related to the blast, including improper use of a torch, improperly trained employees and incorrect construction of the seal.
The report also said mine management failed to provide adequate training for escape procedures, and that the lack of training and familiarity with an alternate escape route most likely delayed the escape of the miners.
The May 20, 2006 tragedy led to major modifications to Kentucky's mine safety laws earlier this year.
Jimmy Lee, 33, and Amon Brock, 51, died at the scene of the explosion from blunt force trauma and heat injuries. The other three victims _ Roy Middleton, 35, Bill Petra, 49, and Paris Thomas Jr., 53 _ died from carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation while trying to escape.
A sixth miner, Paul Ledford, was rescued with minor injuries.
Melissa Lee, whose husband was among the victims, said the fines are not sufficient.
"My husband was worth more than that," she said. "That's a drop in the bucket for this company. It's a mockery to the men who died. The mining families are wanting justice, and they're not getting it."
Stickler said the accident occurred before a new federal law was enacted that increased the amount of fines.
Mine operator Ralph Napier could not be reached because his telephone was busy Thursday night.
Last year was one of the deadliest in recent history for coal miners in Kentucky. In all, 16 miners were killed on the job, prompting state lawmakers into action.
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On the net:
U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration: http://www.msha.gov
