1st report on deadly W.Va. mine blast due Thursday
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The first report on the explosion that killed 29 men at West Virginia's Upper Big Branch mine will be released Thursday.
Independent investigator J. Davitt McAteer was appointed by then-Gov. Joe Manchin to examine the 2010 blast at Massey Energy Co.'s mine near Montcoal.
McAteer tells West Virginia Public Broadcasting he will first brief the victims' families on his conclusions.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The report is based on more than 300 interviews. McAteer says it will also address theories put forth by Virginia-based Massey and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.
MSHA investigators believe an accumulation of highly explosive coal dust and faulty equipment triggered the blast. Massey denies dust played a role.
The company blames a sudden inundation of methane or natural gas that overwhelmed all safety systems.