Westray


1h 20m 2001

Brief Synopsis

At 5:18 a.m. on May 9, 1992, the Westray coal mine exploded, killing 26 miners. Although news of the disaster momentarily gripped the country, the aftershock is still felt in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. The film chronicles the forces that conspired to take the lives of these miners and the survivors

Film Details

Genre
Documentary
Political
Release Date
2001
Production Company
National Film Board Of Canada

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 20m

Synopsis

At 5:18 a.m. on May 9, 1992, the Westray coal mine exploded, killing 26 miners. Although news of the disaster momentarily gripped the country, the aftershock is still felt in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. The film chronicles the forces that conspired to take the lives of these miners and the survivors' futile search for justice. Greed, incompetence and negligence were only some of the factors contributing to the tragedy. Poorly-trained men were sent into the mines; without a union and fearful for their jobs, they did not raise concerns over safety. One lone voice complained and was fired - the others learned to keep quiet. Mine inspectors failed to act, as did the Ministry of Labour. Disaster was inevitable.

Film Details

Genre
Documentary
Political
Release Date
2001
Production Company
National Film Board Of Canada

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 20m

Quotes

Trivia

Miscellaneous Notes

Released in United States 2001

Released in United States September 2001

Shown at Toronto International Film Festival (Perspective Canada) September 6-15, 2001.

Shown at Vancouver International Film Festival September 27 - October 12, 2001.

Released in United States 2001

Released in United States 2001 (Shown at Vancouver International Film Festival September 27 - October 12, 2001.)

Released in United States September 2001 (Shown at Toronto International Film Festival (Perspective Canada) September 6-15, 2001.)