Coal mining is a dangerous proposition. So, too, can be human inclination. The tragic events that unfolded in tiny Sago, W.Va., this week are all too illustrative of these verities.
Early Monday morning, something went dreadfully wrong deep within the mine south of Morgantown. An explosion trapped 13 miners. Rescuers initially were turned back by high levels of poisonous gas; hope waned.
But by early Wednesday, rescuers reached the miners. The first report -- 12 alive, one dead. That unconfirmed word spread like wildfire; the "Miracle at Sago" surely would surpass the legend of the nine miners who survived entrapment in Pennsylvania's Quecreek mine 3 1/2 years earlier.
But hope exceeded facts. The information was wrong. And officials knew so within 45 minutes: 12 weren't alive -- they were dead; there was a sole survivor. Yet, inexplicably, celebrating family members weren't told for three hours .
That mistake will haunt those associated with the Sago mine disaster for the rest of their lives. And as bad as it was, and as outraged as the families of the dead are, attention now must be turned to preventing future Sagos.
The mine, acquired last year from Anker West Virginia Mining Co. by International Coal Group, had a long history of safety violations, most recently for an increase in dangerous "combustibles." There's talk of a lightning strike. Did nature and negligence intersect?
The Sago mine tragedy can teach us several lessons on several levels. The question, as always, is if we'll learn them.
