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COAL MINE FATALITY - On January 31, two scoops were being operated using a circle haulage scheme to haul coal from the faces to the dumping point. Both scoops were operated with the scoop buckets pointed in the direction of travel. The section foreman was operating the first scoop. During the cycle, the foreman stopped his scoop in the haulage way in an intersection and articulated the machine to allow the mechanic to observe the scoop's bucket pin. While at this location, the second scoop, whose bucket was loaded with coal, approached the intersection and collided with the first scoop. The bucket of the second scoop hit the first scoop's operator compartment, crushing the section foreman.

This is the second coal mine fatality in 1997. As of January 31 last year, there had been 3 fatalities. This death is the first classified as POWERED HAULAGE in 1997.



Photograph of the Accident Scene


For more information:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL97C02]