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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Tuesday, April 13, 1999, a 56-year old continuous mining machine operator was fatally injured when he was struck by a roof fall. The victim was cleaning the bottom of a recently completed cut in No. 2 Left Crosscut with the continuous mining machine in the intersection of the No. 2 Left Crosscut and the No. 2 Entry on the 001-0 MMU. A mechanic was assisting with the mining machine's cable. A Section of the mine roof, measuring approximately 40' long, 20' wide and 8 to 10' in thickness, fell suddenly, resulting in injuries to the mechanic and in fatal injuries to the continuous mining machine operator. The roof fall covered the continuous mining machine and partially covered a shuttle car located behind the machine.

The mechanic sustained non-life threatening injuries. He was recovered quickly and transported by Med-Flight to a local hospital where he was treated and released. Work continued, to extricate the continuous mining machine operator. He was recovered at 3:20 a.m. on April 14, 1999 and transported to the surface where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

MSHA - Fatal Alert Photo
BEST PRACTICES
  • When mining in an area of transitional roof conditions, minimize development of multiple places from the same intersection.

  • Always examine the roof properly in your work area.

  • Always Be alert to changing roof conditions.

  • Never make assumptions based on outward appearances

    • This is the 11th fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1998, there were 9 fatalities. This is the 3rd fatality classified as Roof Fall in 1999.

    For more information:
    Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL99C11]