COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday, October 15, 1997, an electrician was utilizing a five-ton flatbed truck to transport a new swing motor to the 2570 dragline located in the pit. The total weight of the cargo was approximately 23,300 pounds and was secured in an upright position to the bed of the truck with one 3/8 inch chain. The cargo consisted of a 19,100 pound dragline swing motor with a 3,100 pound brake assembly and a 1,100 pound brake wheel. As the operator descended a grade that varied from 13.9% to 15% on the ramp into the pit, the weight of the swing motor broke the chain and the motor slid/tipped forward against the truck cab, pushing the victim into the steering wheel, resulting in fatal crushing injuries.
This is the 26th coal mine fatality in 1997. As of October 15 of last year there had been 25 fatalities. This death is the tenth classified as POWERED HAULAGE in 1997.
Photograph of the Truck and the Accident Area
For more information: 
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL97C26]
