The Nation : Mine Negligence Charged

United Mine Workers President Richard L. Trumka blamed Emery Mining Co. for the deaths of 27 persons in a Utah coal mine fire last month. Trumka said in Castle Dale, Utah, that the firm allowed unsafe conditions to prevail in the Wilberg Mine. The union chief, who until now had not specifically charged negligence on the part of the company, said: “If everything had been done properly, 27 people would not be dead today.” But company spokesman Robert Henrie denied the charge and said: “I believe these self-appointed critics . . . simply do more to compound the hurt,” especially when an official inquiry is “just beginning.”