Investor Suit Targets Massey Directors, Execs Over West Virginia Mine Blast

A trust fund that invests in Massey Energy wants the board of directors and top executives held personally accountable for the recent explosion that killed 29 coal miners.

The Manville Personal Injury Trust sued last week in Kanawha Circuit Court. Its lawsuit also cites the history of violations that preceded the disaster at the Upper Big Branch mine.

The trust settled a similar lawsuit in 2008 over Massey’s handling of environmental and safety issues.

The lawsuit targets CEO Don Blankenship, the board, Ohio State University president and former Massey director E. Gordon Gee and four top executives.

State and federal regulators are investigating the disaster.

Massey did not immediately respond to a request for comment.