University of Utah Research Associate Professor of Geology and Geophysics Jim Pechmann '76 offered his seismological expertise in a June 30 NPR broadcast about the deadly collapse of Crandall Canyon Mine in northwestern Utah in August 2007.
The disaster, which resulted in the deaths of six miners and three rescuers, has provoked a lawsuit aimed at companies associated with the operation of the mine, including parent company Murray Energy Corporation. Robert E. Murray, CEO of Murray Energy, has repeatedly dodged responsibility for the collapse, claiming the catastrophe was the result of natural seismic tremors rather than poor maintenance. "This was an earthquake, it was two earthquakes, and the seismic activity continues," Murray said in the broadcast.
In his recent report on the disaster, Pechmann announced seismological instruments in the area recorded not an earthquake but the actual collapse of the mine. His report provides some succor to families affected by the disaster. Because the cave-in was so sudden, death would have struck instantly. "All I can say is that the collapse happened pretty quickly," Pechmann said. "There would not have been time for anyone to escape."
