May 19, 2011

Senator Manchin Statement on Independent UBB Investigation

**Audio Available**

Charleston, W.Va. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today issued the following statement about special investigator J. Davitt McAteer’s report into the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. Then-Gov. Manchin appointed McAteer to lead an independent investigation into the explosion that killed 29 miners on April 5, 2010. 

“My thoughts and prayers today are with the families of the 29 miners who died at Upper Big Branch. As the independent investigation reports, this tragedy could have been prevented and these types of mistakes should never be repeated. The recommendations of the report will provide a blueprint going forward so that no other miners will be put in jeopardy and no other families will have to endure a preventable tragedy,” Senator Manchin said. “I hope all West Virginians will be united with me in a commitment to work together to enact the right reforms to prioritize worker safety and make sure that no company can put profits ahead of lives. I am also anxiously awaiting the findings and recommendations from the other two investigations that are still underway.”  

Audio is available here: 

http://demradio/actualities/manchin/051911_MANCHIN.mp3

 

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