Judge Approves Saco Mine Settlement with 2 Families

A West Virginia judge has approved a settlement between families of coal miners involved in the deadly Sago Mine explosion and companies that made and distributed concrete foam blocks used at the West Virginia mine.

Burrell Mining Products and Raleigh Mine and Industrial Supply agreed to the confidential settlement last month. Attorney Tim Bailey, who represents relatives of some of the miners, said that Kanawha County Circuit Judge Charles King has signed the agreement.

Families of 10 of 12 miners killed at Sago have claims pending against other defendants.

Burrell made blocks used to seal mined-out and abandoned sections at Sago. Raleigh supplied the Omega blocks to the mine.

A methane gas explosion destroyed the block seals and trapped 13 Sago miners Jan. 2, 2006. One miner survived.