Two West Virginia coal miners were reportedly killed Monday evening following an accident at a mine with a history of safety violations owned by Patriot Coal—a company that has long fought worker protections.
According to reports, Eric D. Legg, 48, and Gary P. Hensley, 46, were killed at Brody Mine No. 1 in Boone County, shortly before 9 PM after a “coal outburst”—or sudden and violent ejection of coal, gas and rock from underground—caused a collapse inside the mine.
In October 2013, federal officials with the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) cited the Brody mine for more than 250 “significant and substantial” violations during the 12-month period that ended Aug. 31, including methane hazards, emergency preparedness/escapeway hazards, and roof hazards.
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