The former CEO who oversaw the West Virginia mine that exploded in 2010, killing 29 people, was indicted Thursday on federal charges related to a safety investigation that followed the blast.
Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship, who is accused of conspiring to violate safety and health standards at Upper Big Branch Mine, is the highest-ranking executive to face charges in the blast. The explosion and investigation afterward led to the overhaul of the way the federal government oversees mine safety.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said a federal grand jury indicted Blankenship on charges including conspiracy to violate mandatory federal mine safety and health standards, conspiracy to impede federal mine safety officials and making false statements to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
