By Doug Cunningham

The United Mine Workers of America says an attempt by the Sago mine owners to blame lightning for the explosion that led to the deaths of 12 West Virginia coal miners is reckless and premature. UMWA's Phil Smith says this is NOT an official finding.

[Phil Smith 1] : "It is important to note that this is ICG investigating itself. These folks have a vested interest in pointing the finger somewhere else besides what their own actions may have done to cause this explosion. You know, if it was lightning then that's an act of God. And you can't sue God."

The UMWA has been involved in the investigation into the Sago tragedy, making sure workers have a voice in the probe. Smith says the UMWA will also be involved in the next phase - public hearings.

[Smith 2] : "What is important here is that we find out what caused this explosion so it doesn't happen again at Sago or anywhere else. And also what we hope comes out of this is a series of recommendations for what can be done to prevent in the first place explosions like this from happening. And in the second place prevent what was really tragic about this, which was those miners being trapped in there - or believing that they were trapped in there - and being able to come out, not being able to survive except for Mr. McCloy."

The Sago mine reopened Wednesday.