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    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    The Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster

    Twenty-five people are dead and four others are missing in America's worst coal mining disaster in 25 years. As miners' families struggle with their tragedies, state and federal officials promise investigations.

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    By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

    Twenty-five people are dead and four others are missing in America's worst coal mining disaster in 25 years. As miners' families struggle with their tragedies, state and federal officials promise investigations. Kevin Stricklin, who runs the US Mine Safety and Health Administration says, “We know the mine wasn't operating safely or we wouldn't have had an explosion.” Hoppy Kercheval, host West Virginia MetroNews' Talkline, has more on local attitudes toward the Upper Big Branch Mine and the Massey Energy Company.

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

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      Karen Radziner

      Managing Producer, To the Point & Which Way LA?

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      Frances Anderton

      architecture critic and author

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      Hoppy Kercheval

      Host, West Virginia MetroNews' 'Talkline'

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