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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On October 13, 2000, a 59-year-old tractor operator with 20 years mining experience was seriously injured at a Iron Ore mine. The victim was operating a bulldozer on a pit waste stockpile when flames suddenly engulfed the cab area. The on-board fire suppression system deployed yet failed to extinguish the fire. The victim sustained multiple burns as he jumped through flames to exit the cab. He received treatment at a burn unit and was subsequently released. He died from related complications on November 2, 2000.

Fatal Alert Bulletin Photo

Best Practices

  • Operators should be trained in the use of fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems

  • Fire extinguishers should be mounted inside operator's stations whenever possible
    • More Information E-mail Suggestion for Accident Prevention Program Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future.
    Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number.

    This is the 42nd fatality reported in calendar year 2000 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. (On 8/8/2000, the Fatality Review Committee determined that fatal no. 8 on 2/21/2000 was not chargeable). As of this date in 1999, there were 48 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 1st fatality classified as Fire in 2000. There were No Fire fatalities in the same period in 1999.

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    The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.


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