[crazyhorse691]

It was organized chaos amongst the authorities up there preceding the explosion/eruption. Spirit Lake was closed, than opened to a select few, and then opened to property owners. Road closures were regularly moved because of rumblings (particularly at night). Heck, some French Vulcanologist the week before the big bang arrogantly proclaimed that the volcano would just pffft out. The science was still in its infancy.
The Gov. lost her reelection as did Carter. Their only culpability in this was their indecisiveness. And I am a huge anti Carter fanatic.

[sharkhawk]

The insane thing is they were driving toward the disaster. It would be the same thing as those insane tornado chasers suing the weather service for not warning them exactly where the tornado would break. You feel sorry for people whose homes were ripped apart, but if you are looking for a thrill you takes your chances.