A Day of Horror: Remembering April 5, 2010

on April 5, 2010, Easter Monday, the Upper Big Branch mine in Montcoal, West Virginia, exploded, claiming the lives of 29 miners. Stanley “Goose” Stewart, a veteran coal miner, was there. His firsthand account paints a chilling picture of the disaster and its immediate aftermath.

Stewart recounts the moment he realized something was terribly wrong: “It was Monday, April, 5, the day after Easter.I was headed underground. I felt the air flowing from inside the mine coming out and I realized , ‘Uh oh, it ain’t far to the outside, but you gotta get there.'”

Emerging from the mine, he witnessed a scene of unimaginable devastation.”So I got outside and turned off to the right and looked, and you could see the air and debris gushing out of the mines. And I knew immediately that it had blown up.” The frantic calls on the mine phone underscored the chaos and desperation: “You could hear the mine phone over and over hollering “Hello longwall? Hello longwall?” trying to get someone to answer.”

The scene that followed was even more harrowing. Stewart, trained in CPR, attempted to revive his fallen colleagues. “Yes, I did CPR on two or three of them. They smelled like dynamite and their faces were black — nostrils, mouth just filled with black soot. You’re working on them, and you know that they’re gone, but you hope maybe…” The bodies were laid out in the parking lot, a grim testament to the lives lost. “we started lying them on the parking lot in single file. we had blankets down the lame on rather than the gravels…and so then I went over and sat down and just. I looked around, and actually I started crying. That was a bad day.”

Speaking Truth to Power: Accountability After the Disaster

Stewart retired after the Upper Big Branch disaster, but his involvement didn’t end there.He channeled his grief and anger into a relentless pursuit of justice, speaking out against Massey Energy, the company that owned the mine. He testified in court and before Congress, alleging that the company prioritized profits over safety, leading to the tragedy.

His testimony and the subsequent investigation revealed a pattern of safety violations and negligence. Massey Energy was found to have consistently cut corners on safety measures, ignoring warnings and putting miners at risk. The most critically important outcome of this investigation was the conviction of Don Blankenship, the CEO of Massey Energy, who served a year in prison for conspiracy to violate mine safety laws.

Stewart recalls the support he received from his community: ” People actually, you know, they were proud of me. They pat me on the back and say ‘Hey Goose, you go on, you go on telling your story and —'” But he also acknowledges the fear that kept others silent.”Simple fact, they knew that they would be fired or not have a job. The upper management at Massey, they operated under fear intimidation and propaganda. Don blankenship, he’d offer trips, bonuses, gifts.I’d tell them boys, now listen fellas, no amount of money is worth your rights, especially in a coal mine.”

The Threat of Deregulation: A warning for the Future

Stewart expresses deep concern about potential cuts to the Mine Safety and Health Governance (MSHA), the agency responsible for inspecting and enforcing mine safety laws. He believes that weakening MSHA would have dire consequences for miners.

“If they destroy the mine inspecting in these mines, I feel sorry for the miners,” Stewart warns. “These guys, it’s going to be tough, it’s going to be real tough. If they hit the coal industry where it can’t be policed, I’ll tell you right now: I wouldn’t want to be in a coal mine.” His words serve as a stark reminder of the importance of strong regulatory oversight in protecting workers’ lives.

The Broader Context: Mine Safety in the United States

The Upper Big Branch disaster wasn’t an isolated incident. Historically, mining has been one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. While significant progress has been made in improving mine safety over the past century, vigilance and strong enforcement are crucial to prevent future tragedies. Events like the Sago Mine disaster in 2006 and the Darby Mine No. 1 explosion in 2006 highlight the ever-present dangers and the need for continuous improvement in safety protocols.

The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), a labor union representing coal miners, has long advocated for stricter safety regulations and better working conditions. Their efforts have played a significant role in advancing mine safety in the U.S.

Moving Forward: Lessons Learned and the Path to Safer Mines

The legacy of the Upper Big Branch disaster extends beyond the immediate tragedy. It serves as a constant reminder of the human cost of neglecting safety and the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions.To ensure safer mines in the future, several key areas require attention:

• Strengthening MSHA: Adequate funding and staffing are essential for MSHA to effectively inspect mines and enforce safety regulations.
• Promoting a Culture of Safety: Mining companies must prioritize safety over profits and create a work surroundings where miners feel empowered to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation.
• Investing in technology: Advancements in mining technology can help to improve safety by providing better monitoring systems, early warning systems, and safer equipment.
• Continuous Training: Miners need ongoing training to stay up-to-date on the latest safety procedures and best practices.

The voices of survivors like Stanley “Goose” Stewart are crucial in advocating for these changes and ensuring that the lessons of Upper Big Branch are never forgotten.