The first team underground consisted of members of Massey’s rescue teams followed by state and MSHA rescue team members. The transcripts released are from interviews with five employees of Massey Energy who participated in rescue efforts, and 10 mine rescuers each from MSHA and the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training.
The transcripts describe how the rescuers were called to the Upper Big Branch mine following the explosion, as well as their activities underground while searching for the missing miners, establishing communications with the surface and ultimately recovering the 29 victims. While the interviews primarily addressed those hours and days spent in rescue and recovery efforts, some reflect additional information.
