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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday, October 25, a roof bolting machine was positioned in the place to be bolted and the Automated Temporary Roof Support (ATRS) was pressurized against the roof. A roof bolting machine operator went to the location between the right-side drill boom and the outby end of the ATRS and supported roof. The bolting machine operator was cleaning a plugged dust suction hose when a large slab of roof fell just inby the roof bolting machine. As the slab fell, the inby end hit the floor first, followed by the outby end falling into the ATRS. This action broke off a portion of the slab which fell in the location of the roof bolting machine operator, inflicting fatal injuries.

This is the 37th coal mine fatality in 1995. As of October 25, of last year there had been 37 fatalities. This death is the fourth classified as ROOF FALL in 1995.

Line drawing showing the sequence of the roof fall accident

For more information:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL95C37]