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COAL MINE FATALITY - COAL MINE FATALITY - On Friday, June 13, 1997, a mechanic was repairing a lift jack to the bucket of a front end loader. A steel beam had been placed to support one of the bucket arms. While the mechanic was working on the lift jack, the weight of the bucket and arms split the steel beam allowing the bucket to fall. As the bucket fell, the mechanic attempted to exit the area and was struck by the bucket.

This is the 14th coal mine fatality in 1997. As of June 13 of last year there had been 17 fatalities. This death is the third classified as MACHINERY in 1997.



View From Under Boom, Facing Cab


For more information:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL97C14]