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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday April 8, 1996, a general inside laborer was assigned to rockdust an area outby the dumping point. Operating a large battery tractor, pulling a slinger duster, the laborer left the section feeder area and traveled outby. The laborer was later found in the area to be rockdusted, pinned under the front of the battery tractor. Investigators have determined that a deficiency on the automatic emergency parking brake resulted in the brake's inability to hold the battery tractor stationary.

This is the 11th coal mine fatality in 1996. As of April 8 of last year, there had been 8 fatalities. This death is the fourth classified as POWERED HAULAGE in 1996.



Photograph of Accident Scene and Outby End of Battery Tractor


For more information:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL96C11]