Deadly Mine Explosion Trial Puts Spotlight on Massey's King Coal
- Blankenship to face jury over Upper Big Branch explosion
- Prosecutors accuse ex-CEO of subverting mine safety rules
Donald Blankenship, left, makes his way out of the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse on the first day of jury selection in Charleston, on Oct. 1. Photographer: Tyler Evert/Ap Photo
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Before death came to Upper Big Branch Mine, Donald L. Blankenship managed his patch of Appalachia like King Coal incarnate.
Outside homes in rural West Virginia flew the banner of his company, Massey Energy Co.: a flame leaping out of an M on a field of white.