Willow Creek Mine Explosion and Fire
Updates
Updates
Update for Tuesday, August 8, 2000
The situation at the mine remains largely unchanged. Water pumping to flood the gob area continues. Over 2,000,000 gallons have now been pumped into the mine through the piping system, originally installed to supply water to the longwall face for use during routine mining activity. Air samples are being collected through tubes installed in the earthen seals at the mine portals on 3-hour intervals. Air leakage is hindering accurate sampling, as the samples being drawn can be diluted with small amounts of fresh air leaking into the mine.
MSHA's investigation into the accident is continuing.
