Mine explosions

The mine explosion in Sago, WV that has 13 miners trapped underground today, is reminiscent of the explosion at the Fairmont Coal Company’s mine in Monogah, WV in 1907 that killed 362 men and boys, the worst mine disaster in American history.

Though almost 100 years have passed since the first explosion, the causes of the explosions are similar.

According to reports, the Fairmont explosion was caused by “a blown out shot [and] could very possibly have resulted from an accumulation of coal dust.” The Sago explosion may also have been caused by coal dust: “If there is a spark and there is methane in the air, the coal dust catches fire and sends a fireball down the tunnel.”

In the 20th century, West Virginia fell behind all other states in regulating mining conditions, with the highest death rate from mine disasters. Today, the Sago mine
upholds the tradition, with 208 safety citations from the Mine Safety and Health Administration in 2005, up from 68 in 2004 … and yesterday’s explosion which may take the lives of 13 miners.