Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

mahatmakanejeeves

(64,413 posts)
Tue Apr 8, 2025, 03:19 PM Apr 8

On April 5, 2010, twenty-nine coal miners were killed in an explosion in the Upper Big Branch coal mine.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_5

• 2010 – Twenty-nine coal miners are killed in an explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia.

Fri Apr 5, 2024: On this day, April 5, 2010, twenty-nine coal miners were killed in an explosion in the Upper Big Branch coal mine.

Wed Apr 5, 2023: On this day, April 5, 2010, twenty-nine coal miners were killed in an explosion in a coal mine.

Fri Apr 5, 2019: Remembering the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion, on April 5, 2010

David Fahrenthold Retweeted

Thinking this morning about the West Virginians who lost husbands and fathers, brothers and sons, friends and coworkers at the Upper Big Branch Mine on April 5, 2010.

youtube.com
Memorial to miners killed in the 2010 Upper Big Branch Mine disaster...
Here's a memorial slideshow to the 29 miners, ages 20 to 61, who died in the April 5, 2010,


Memorial to miners killed in the 2010 Upper Big Branch Mine disaster in West Virginia

Douglas John Imbrogno

867 subscribers

25,358 views Apr 21, 2010
Here's a memorial slideshow to the 29 miners, ages 20 to 61, who died in the April 5, 2010, explosion at the Massey Energy Upper Big Branch Mine near Montcoal, West Virginia. This was originally produced for the Charleston Gazette in Charleston, W.Va., by Douglas Imbrogno. The soundtrack is "Andante Quieto," by the New Arts Trio from the CD "Harold Hayslett: A Musical Tribute."

{snip}

Best report to read to understand what happened, why it happened, and why it could easily happen again is this one from Davitt McAteer's investigation team:

https://embed.documentcloud.org/documents/2401616-mcateer-giip-report-on-upper-big-branch-mine/

documentcloud.org
McAteer GIIP Report on Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster

Take a couple minutes today to read through then-AUSA Steve Ruby's closing argument in the Blankenship trial. It was truly remarkable:

https://embed.documentcloud.org/documents/2515678-blankenship-trial-closing-arguments-transcript/ (Starts on page 5935) ...

documentcloud.org
Blankenship Trial Closing Arguments - Transcript 11/17/15



Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»American History»On April 5, 2010, twenty-...