West Virginia Cites Massey Energy for Mining Fatality

West Virginia has cited coal producer Massey Energy for four violations that investigators say contributed to a fatal mining accident last October.

A state Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training accident report says the violations could result in penalties of $5,000 to $10,000 apiece.

The report says one citation was issued because investigators concluded Massey wasn’t supervising 32-year-old Steven Cain properly. Cain, an apprentice miner working for a contractor, was pinned between a wall and a supply car Oct. 8 at Massey’s Justice No. 1 underground mine in Boone County.

The report says the other contributing violations were issued for low visibility, improper clearance and failing to allow Cain to get to a safe area.

A Massey spokesman had no immediate comment.