Crandall Canyon Families Testify at House Labor Committee Hearing

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC -- Family members of miners who died at the Crandall Canyon mine tragedy appeared before the House Education and Labor Committee today and expressed their desire for a thorough investigation of the August mine collapse.

“As families, we want the truth of what happened,” said Cesar Sanchez, brother of miner Manuel Sanchez. “Someone needed to look after our interests both before the collapse, which would have prevented it, and after the collapse, to assure that everything possible was being done to rescue…and find my brother.”

Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the committee, said that the committee’s investigation into the mine collapse will continue.

“We will take every action necessary to hold individuals responsible for what appears to have been a preventable tragedy,” said Miller. “We believe it is critical to get to the truth of the events before, during, and after this disaster in order to prevent another one.”

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. also testified and agreed that a complete investigation is needed.

“The families of all the miners who died and were injured deserve to have a full understanding of the circumstances that led to the deaths of their loved ones,” said Gov. Huntsman.

Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mine Workers of America, highlighted the efforts of rescue workers.

“During these most trying of times, many brave miners demonstrated extraordinary courage by contributing to the rescue efforts,” said Roberts. “Not only did all rescuers play a valuable role throughout the rescue effort, but three of them paid the ultimate price of their bravery, including an MSHA inspector.”

Family members recounted the confusion in the days and weeks after the mine collapse. They said it was difficult to receive reliable information on the rescue efforts from the mine owner and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.

“The manner in which [mine owner Robert] Murray and MSHA approached the families for the first two weeks after the collapse was unbelievable,” said Mike Marasco, son-in-law of miner Kerry Allred. “They just told us what we wanted to hear and not the facts.”

Wendy Black, wife of miner and rescue team member Dale “Bird” Black, spoke about the duty her husband felt to help rescue his fellow miners.

“My husband felt that he had to be there because these trapped miners were his friends, his family in a way,” said Black. “He had told me about the letters and pictures that the families had put up at the mine. This gave Dale the courage and determination to go back into that hell hole.”

Family members also spoke on the impact of the mine disaster on them and the rest of their loved ones.  

“Our lives are changed forever,” said Steve Allred, brother of miner Kerry Allred. “Kerry’s wife is having a very hard time and will for some time to come. Her kids and I are trying to be strong for her. That’s all we can do.”

“It is hard to have hope, only to have your heart broke,” said Sheila Phillips, mother of miner Brandon Phillips, who attended the hearing with her five-year-old grandson, Gage. “It is hard to see your grandson left fatherless.”

“Miners and their families don’t want empty rhetoric. They demand MSHA have the enforcement authority to do its job, with miners and their families getting the uppermost consideration,” said Wayne Holland, Utah staff representative of the United Steelworkers of America, who represents miners in metal and nonmetal mines.

Chairman Miller also announced that he intends to markup mine safety legislation he introduced in June by the end of the month. For more information on the legislation, please click here.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tom Kiley / Rachel Racusen
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