Mine safety questions arise following explosion

25 miners are dead after an explosion tore through a coal mine in West Virginia’s Raleigh County. The mine is owned by the Massey Energy company, which, according to news reports, has a history of safety problems. President Barack Obama sent condolences to West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin while emergency vehicles and helicopters arrived on the scene.

Beth Vorhees is an anchor and senior correspondent for West Virginia public radio. She joins us with the latest news from the area. And Ian Urbina, national correspondent for The New York Times reports from West Virginia.