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Today in History: Coal mine explosion in West Virginia kills 29 miners

4/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 5, 2010, a coal dust explosion at Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia killed 29 miners and injured 3 others. Occurring 1,000 feet underground, this disaster marked the deadliest mining incident in the U.S. since 1970. An investigation later determined Massey Energy was directly responsible for the explosion.

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Story summary

On April 5, 2010, a coal dust explosion at Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia killed 29 miners and injured 3 others. Occurring 1,000 feet underground, this disaster marked the deadliest mining incident in the U.S. since 1970. An investigation later determined Massey Energy was directly responsible for the explosion.