25 Dead in West Virginia Mine Explosion

At least 25 coal miners were killed and 4 still missing in a West Virginia explosion that marked the worst US mine disaster since 1984. Some 21 were injured in the late afternoon explosion at Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch mine, 30 miles south of Charleston, reports AP. The mine has a history of releasing vast amounts of highly combustible methane gas, according to company officials. Nine emergency crews are on the scene. "Our prayers go out to the families of the miners," said a mine spokesman.
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