Westray trial under way

A criminal trial began Feb. 6 into the explosion at the Westray coal mine in Plymouth, N.S., that left 26 men dead.

The blast occurred May 9, 1992, at 5:18 a.m. Investigators later determined that a spark from mining equipment probably ignited methane gas, triggering a coal-dust explosion.

Charged with manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death are Gerald Phillips, 44, mine manager, and Roger Parry, underground manager. Mine owner Curragh, which went into receivership and had its assets sold off, faces similar charges.

Eleven bodies were found and retrieved on May 10, about 1.6 km from the entrance of the mine. Three days later, four more bodies were retrieved from the deepest part of the mine. One more body was found but could not be recovered. The search was discontinued and the mine has been abandoned. The trial is scheduled to last six months.