The federal Mine Safety and Health
Administration has formally begun its probe of last week's deadly wall collapse
at a Tri-Star Mining strip mine in Barton, Md.
Agency spokesman Dirk Fillpot said the investigation is focusing on the cause
of the accident and mine compliance with safety standards. He said investigators
will examine the accident scene, interview mine employees, review records and
inspect equipment.
The collapse killed two miners, 38-year-old Mike Wilt of Frostburg and
51-year-old Dale Jones of Lonaconing. Both were operating heavy machines when
the 125-foot wall collapsed and buried them under tons of dirt and rocks.
MSHA Investigating Mine Collapse (4/24)
