Sago Mine Owners Say Fire Lightning-Caused, Then Refuse Comment

International Coal Group officials say they cannot yet explain their theory that lightning caused the Jan. 2 explosion at the Sago Mine. Tests of that premise have not been completed, they say. On Tuesday, a company news release declared, “The explosion was ignited by lightning and fueled by methane that naturally accumulated in an abandoned area of the mine that had been recently sealed.”

In a three-page briefing paper, ICG pointed to “unusual streaks” on the mine roof where company officials believe an electrical charge from the lightning may have entered the mine. “The streaks across the roof appear to have an associated increase in magnetism, which would suggest the passage of electrical energy across or through the rock,” the company paper said. But, ICG added, “The testing of these unusual features has not been completed to determine if it was created by the passage of electrical energy from lightning.”

Results of ICG’s own investigation were relayed Tuesday in a news release issued by the company’s public relations firm after the close of regular business hours. ICG officials have refused to answer any questions about the news release or the company’s investigation. “As discussed, no one from ICG management is going to be available for an interview today,” Vikki Kobasic, an account executive with the public relations firm Dix & Eaton wrote in an e-mail message. “I have added your request to a list of media requesting interviews and will be in touch if an opportunity becomes available.”

EDIT

In its briefing, ICG made it clear the company cannot say how lightning made its way from above ground deep into the Sago Mine. “There was no obvious conduit directly from the surface, such as a borehole with a metal casing, although searches have been conducted on the surface,” ICG said. The company briefing continued: “There are several potential paths for the electricity into the sealed area: through the mine, through the ground itself, through the gas well casing and through the ground, or through the network of gas well lines on the surface and into the ground.

EDIT

http://wvgazette.com/section/News/Today/2006031520

I learned MANY years ago, if something doesn't make logical sense, it's usually not true!

I'm not an expert in anything to be able to make an educated guess on this story, but I just don't buy it.

Either I've fallen into the twilight zone or they're just making this shit up. Hmm. I wonder which it could be...

:eyes: