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Mine Disaster Investigations Since 2000

MSHA investigates all serious and fatal mining accidents, then issues a comprehensive report of its findings.  On this page are investigative reports, internal reviews and independent assessments of high-profile mining disasters that have occurred since 2000. 



Upper Big Branch Mine-South

On April 5, 2010, a massive coal dust explosion at this coal mine in Montcoal, West Virginia, killed 29 miners. It was the largest mine disaster in the United States in 40 years.  

Accident Investigation Report

Internal Review

Assessment of Internal Review by NIOSH

Corrective Action Plan

Crandall Canyon Mine

An initial coal outburst on Aug. 6, 2007, fatally injured 6 miners at this coal mine in Huntington, Utah.. A second coal outburst occurred during rescue efforts on Aug. 16, 2007, fatally injuring another two miners and an MSHA inspector.

Accident Investigation Report

Independent Review

Darby Mine No. 1

An explosion in the early morning of May 20, 2006, resulted in fatal injuries to five miners at this coal mine in Holmes Mill, KY.

Accident Investigation Report

Internal Review

Aracoma Alma Mine #1

On Jan. 19, 2006, a fire resulted in the deaths of two miners at this coal mine in Stollings, WV.

Accident Investigation Report

Internal Review

Sago Mine

On Jan. 2, 2006, 12 miners were fatally injured when an explosion occurred at this coal mine in Tallmansville, WV.

Accident Investigation Report

Internal Review

No. 5 Mine, Jim Walter Resources

On Sept. 23, 2001, two explosions occurred within an hour of each other at this mine in Brookwood AL, resulting in fatal injuries to 13 miners.

Accident Investigation Report

Internal Review

Quecreek #1 Mine

On July 24, 2002, nine miners became trapped underground for nearly 77 hours in Somerset County, PA, when water from an adjoining abandoned mine breached the section in which they were working. They were rescued on July 28.

Accident Investigation Report

20 Years Later, a Look a Back at the Quecreek Mine Rescue