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COAL MINE FATALITY - On August 30, 2002, a 34 year old truck driver was fatally injured while operating a Volvo A30C articulating truck. The victim had stopped the truck to be loaded by an excavator when the truck suddenly moved forward and over a steep embankment. The truck traveled approximately 1000 feet down the slope and eventually came to rest on the main haul road.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Examine haulage equipment for safety defects before operation.


  • Immediately report mechanical safety defects to mine management.


  • Implement a preventive maintenance program for all haulage equipment. The maintenance program should be comprehensive enough to ensure that critical safety systems such as brakes and steering are operational at all times.


  • Construct and maintain berms properly on the outer bank of all elevated roadways.
    • More Information E-mail Suggestion for Accident Prevention Program Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future.
    Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number.

    This is the 22nd fatal accident reported in the coal mining industry during calendar year 2002. As of this date in 2001, there were 16 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the fifth fatal accident classified as surface powered haulage reported in the coal mining industry in 2002. At this time in 2001, there was one fatal accident classified as surface powered haulage in the coal mining industry.


    The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.



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