An explosion in a mine owned by Massey Energy Co. in West Virginia on Monday has killed 25 people.

Four miners are still missing after the blast, which occurred about 30 miles south of Charleston. Safety officials report that the mine had a history of violations for failure to properly ventilate methane, the highly-combustible gas that likely played a role in the explosion. Fourteen of the victims have still not yet been identified. The explosion has become the deadliest mining disaster in the United States since 1984.

A company is responsible for the safety of its workers, even those who work in traditionally dangerous professions. Unfortunately, many large companies and corporations sacrifice worker safety for added profits. If you or a loved one has been injured in a preventable workplace accident and need assistance gaining access to the benefits for which you are entitled, contact the New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys of Levinson Axelrod, P.A. by calling 800-346-5529.