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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On July 17, 1996, a welder with six days of mining experience was killed at a limestone quarry. Two employees were preparing to cut an opening in the end of a surge tunnel. The surge pile had been cut away with a front-end loader. The surge pile sloughed engulfing the victim and covering the other employee up to his waist. The victim died from suffocation. This is the 29th fatality reported in calendar year 1996 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1995, there were 21 fatalities reported in these industries. This death is the first fatality classified as falling/sliding material. There were three falling/sliding material fatalities during the same period in 1995.

For more information:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL96M29]