By Logan D. Cottrell, WV News
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. (WV News) — Jan. 2 marks the 19th anniversary of the Sago Mine disaster.
The tragedy claimed the lives of 12 men after a methane gas explosion occurred at 6:26 a.m., according to a report from the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training.
In the aftermath of the explosion, 14 miners managed to walk out, and one was carried to safety. The explosion was ultimately attributed to a lightning strike, according to the report.
Chris Hamilton, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, said the Sago disaster served as a catalyst for significant changes to both state and federal mining laws.
