COAL OUTFITS CITED FOR THREE WV MINE DEATHS

(10/15/2010)
While coal companies claim they follow safety regulations, West Virginia has cited Massey Energy Co. and International Coal Group for violations that contributed to the deaths of three miners in separate accidents.

Investigators cited Massey Energy for illegally modifying a vehicle involved in the death of 60-year-old electrician Wilbert Starcher at the Pocahontas Mine in Greenbrier County on July 1.

Investigators also said Thursday that Massey's failure to follow the roof control plan at its Ruby Energy mine in Mingo County contributed to the death of 55-year-old James Erwin on May 21.

ICG was cited over the crushing death of 28-year-old John King at its Beckley Pocahontas Mine in Eccles on April 22.