METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On August 8, 1997, a contractor truck driver received an electrical shock and a passenger in the truck was fatally injured at a traprock quarry. The driver had dumped a load of stone at a stockpile and, as he pulled forward to clear the tailgate, the raised bed of the truck came in contact with a 26,000 volt overhead power line. The driver and one passenger jumped clear of the truck. A second passenger was electrocuted as she stepped down from the cab. This is the 43rd fatality reported in calendar year 1997 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1996, there were 33 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 5th fatality classified as electrical in 1997. There were two fatalities classified as electrical during the same period in 1996. For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL97M43]