METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On July 8, 1997, a contractor truck driver was killed at a granite quarry. The victim's loaded over-the-road truck was struck by a freight train where the mine haulage road and the railroad tracks intersected. The railroad crossing was posted with crossing signs and stop signs, and the train was reportedly blowing its whistle. This was the 47th fatality reported in calendar year 1997 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of September 2, 1996, there were 33 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 18th fatality classified as powered haulage in 1997. There were 12 powered haulage fatalities during the same period in 1996. For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL97M47]