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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Friday, October 26, 2001, at approximately 2:00 P.M., a 31 year old miner with 12 years mining experience was fatally injured by a roof fall. The left side roof bolt machine operator was installing bolts when for undetermined reasons he positioned himself inby the ATRS ( Automated Temporary Roof Support), under unsupported mine roof. The victim was struck by a piece of falling mine roof that measured approximately 8 feet wide by 8 feet long by 12 inches thick.

Drawing Depicting Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Never work or travel under unsupported roof.
  • Always know and follow the provisions of your approved roof control plan.
    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 34th fatality reported in 2001 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2000, there were 31 fatalities. This is the 8th fatality classified as a roof fall fatality in 2001.



    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