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COAL MINE FATALITY - On October 3, 2001, a fuel truck driver was critically injured in a surface haulage accident. The victim apparently lost control of the Mack DM600 fuel truck while descending down a 15% grade, and jumped from the vehicle. He died the following day from the injuries received in the accident.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Haulage equipment should be examined for safety defects by a competent person before it is placed in service.

  • Equipment operators should immediately report mechanical defects affecting safety to mine management.


  • A preventive maintenance program should be implemented for all haulage equipment. The maintenance program should be comprehensive enough to ensure that critical safety systems such as brakes and steering are operational at all times.
    • 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 33rd fatal accident, reported in calendar year 2001, in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2000, there were 29 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the second fatal accident, classified as surface powered haulage, reported in the coal mining industry in 2001. At this time in 2000, there were six fatal accidents, classified as surface powered haulage, in the coal mining industry.


    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