The mechanic sustained non-life threatening injuries. He was recovered quickly and transported by Med-Flight to a local hospital where he was treated and released. Work continued, to extricate the continuous mining machine operator. He was recovered at 3:20 a.m. on April 14, 1999 and transported to the surface where he was subsequently pronounced dead.
When mining in an area of transitional roof conditions, minimize development of multiple places from the same intersection.
Always examine the roof properly in your work area.
Always Be alert to changing roof conditions.
Never make assumptions based on outward appearances
This is the 11th fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1998, there were 9 fatalities. This is the 3rd fatality classified as Roof Fall in 1999.
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL99C11]