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COAL MINE FATALITY - On July 1, 1997, a belt repairman was working with a three man crew installing a conveyor belt structure establishing a transfer point. Following a lunch break, the repairman was using a cutting torch to prepare material for welding to the steel structure. While kneeling next to the belt transfer structure, a large portion of roof and rib (22 feet long x 42 inches wide x 26 inches thick), fell onto the repairman.

This is the 15th coal mine fatality in 1997. As of July 1 of last year there had been 18 fatalities. This death is the third classified as ROOF FALL in 1997.



Plan View of the Accident Scene


For more information:
Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL97C15]