Mine explosion crisis in West Virginia
What happened: A mine explosion occurred at the Massey Energy Company's Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia on April 5, 2010.
Who is involved: The victims were employees of Massey Energy Company. So far 25 bodies have been discovered, but only 11 bodies have been identified. As of April 6, 2010 , there are 4 bodies still missing. Others who are involved include employees of the Massey Energy Company, family members of the victims, and some government officials.
Probable Cause: The main suspect for the explosion and deaths is methane gas.
Problem Identification : Some family members were not notified from the the employeer, but from government officials or word of mouth. Officials have found that the company had many violations and some were repeated violations. Rescue efforts had been delayed due to poisonous gases that had accumulated near the site. Before the explosion, mine crews were checking on a carbon monoxide alarm.
Analysis of Crisis : The authorities of the Massey Energy Company should have contacted the family members of the victims without having to hear the news from other sources. If the Massey Energy Company followed through and fixed all of the violations, this crisis may not have happened.
Other questions to consider: Did the company implement proper safety training to employees? Did the mine crew follow OSHA laws? Why didn't the crews evacuate immediately at the sound of the alarm?
http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/west-virginia-coal-mine-explosion-kills-at-least-25/19427460
President Obama consoling a woman who is morning her loss
