Inspectors Could Return to Exploded Massey Mine Friday

Two teams of inspectors emerged from the Upper Big Branch mine yesterday evening, with plans to return as early as tomorrow, according to a statement just released by Massey Energy, which owns the mine.

During yesterday’s visit — which was initially aborted due to toxic gases — inspectors reconnected communications lines that had been destroyed in the April 5 explosion. The blast, which killed 29 miners and almost killed a 30th, was the deadliest mining disaster in 40 years.

If conditions permit, the inspectors will push even further underground Friday, with hopes of reaching the longwall area of the mine, where the explosion is thought to have originated.