CANDLELIT CHRONICLES: HISTORIC HAUNTS

April 10_More on Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster 161 wc

I grieve to report that the four missing miners in the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion have been located-deceased. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and friends as well as to the loved ones of the miners discovered earlier.


Our gratitude also goes to those indefatigable rescuers-local, state, and federal-who went above and beyond the call of duty, despite severe and toxic conditions-to rescue these trapped miners. Although the outcome was tragic, at least the families know that all that could be done in terms of rescue was done, and although it is inappropriate to term this closure, the loved ones do know the outcome of their missing men.





Such cannot be said for Massey Energy Company, whose total of violations in the last few years staggers a rational imagination. Something must be done, or this "worst mining disaster in nearly forty years" won't be the last one. And we never, never, want any more like this-ever again.