COAL MINE FATALITY - On Sunday, March 10, 1996, a section foreman and a
mine foreman were examining the bleeder system of a longwall section. As the two supervisors
were traveling up roof fall material into a resupported roof fall cavity, they encountered an
oxygen deficient atmosphere. Both lost consciousness and collapsed. However the mine foreman,
who was at a lower level, regained consciousness and traveled outby seeking help. The section
foreman asphyxiated. Investigators believe high concentrations of methane had accumulated in
the roof cavity, reducing the oxygen content.
This is the eigth coal mine fatality in 1996. As of March 10, of last year there had been
3 fatalities. This is the first classified as OTHER (Asphyxiation) in 1996.
Plan View of the accident scene
For more information: 
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL96C08]
Related Program Information Bulletin:
PIB96-19
