On April 5, 2010, twenty-nine coal miners were killed in an explosion in the Upper Big Branch coal mine.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Last edited Fri Apr 10, 2026, 11:06 AM - Edit history (1)

Ken Ward Jr. has a Bluesky account, but the best way to find him is at the Mountain State Spotlight Bluesky account.

https://bsky.app/profile/kenwardjr.bsky.social
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:icqbedcofqruirvl6i3y2q4u
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_5

• 2010 – Twenty-nine coal miners are killed in an explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia.

Tue Apr 8, 2025: On April 5, 2010, twenty-nine coal miners were killed in an explosion in the Upper Big Branch coal mine.

Fri Apr 5, 2024: On this day, April 5, 2010, twenty-nine coal miners were killed in an explosion in the Upper Big Branch coal mine.

Wed Apr 5, 2023: On this day, April 5, 2010, twenty-nine coal miners were killed in an explosion in a coal mine.

Fri Apr 5, 2019: Remembering the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion, on April 5, 2010

David Fahrenthold Retweeted

Thinking this morning about the West Virginians who lost husbands and fathers, brothers and sons, friends and coworkers at the Upper Big Branch Mine on April 5, 2010.

youtube.com
Memorial to miners killed in the 2010 Upper Big Branch Mine disaster...
Here's a memorial slideshow to the 29 miners, ages 20 to 61, who died in the April 5, 2010,

Memorial to miners killed in the 2010 Upper Big Branch Mine disaster in West Virginia

Douglas John Imbrogno
867 subscribers

25,358 views Apr 21, 2010
Here's a memorial slideshow to the 29 miners, ages 20 to 61, who died in the April 5, 2010, explosion at the Massey Energy Upper Big Branch Mine near Montcoal, West Virginia. This was originally produced for the Charleston Gazette in Charleston, W.Va., by Douglas Imbrogno. The soundtrack is "Andante Quieto," by the New Arts Trio from the CD "Harold Hayslett: A Musical Tribute."

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Best report to read to understand what happened, why it happened, and why it could easily happen again is this one from Davitt McAteer's investigation team:

https://embed.documentcloud.org/documents/2401616-mcateer-giip-report-on-upper-big-branch-mine/

documentcloud.org
McAteer GIIP Report on Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster

Take a couple minutes today to read through then-AUSA Steve Ruby's closing argument in the Blankenship trial. It was truly remarkable:

https://embed.documentcloud.org/documents/2515678-blankenship-trial-closing-arguments-transcript/ (Starts on page 5935) ...

documentcloud.org
Blankenship Trial Closing Arguments - Transcript 11/17/15

Link to tweet

[Historic NY]

1. On April 25, 2010, President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden attended the memorial service in Beckley, West Virginia.

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