Death toll rises in West Virginia US mining disaster

Four coal miners missing after an explosion at a West Virginia, US coal mine have been found dead, local officials announced Saturday. These were the last four missing workers, bringing the final death toll to 29, six days after the massive explosion.

Reuters

The blast at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia was deemed the worst US coal mine accident in 40 years.

US President Barack Obama said he had spoken to a family who had lost three relatives in the accident. "Through tragedy and heartache, that's the spirit that has sustained this community, and this country for over 200 years," he said.

Obama hailed the miners saying that " the jobs they do in these mine help bring heat and electricity to millions of Americans."

West Viriginia is one of the poorest states in the US, and one where mining has been a major employer for more than 200 years.

Before the other miners' bodies were found, Obama had requested a report from the labor secretary on the incident "so that we can take the steps necessary to prevent such accidetns in the future."

Massey Energy, which runs a number of mines in the area, have had dozens of sefety violations and complaints. The company is the focus of two criminal complaints brought forth by the federal government.