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COAL MINE FATALITY - On June 28, 2002, at approximately 5:50 A.M., a 49-year-old truck driver was fatally injured when the truck he was operating (a 50-ton 773B Caterpillar) backed through a haulroad berm prior to reaching the dump point, the truck overturned and slid down a steep slope into a coal slurry impoundment. The driver was recovered from the impoundment at 1:25 P.M. and transported to a local medical facility where he was pronounced dead.

Drawing Depicting Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Never allow vehicles to travel in reverse for extended distances when it is possible to travel forward.


  • Clearly mark dump locations with reflectors and/or markers.


  • Arrange dump locations such that drivers may use the driver's side mirrors for visibility while backing.


  • Maintain proper berms along all haulroads.


  • Maintain adequate illumination on trucks and/or dump sites.


    • 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 16th fatal accident reported in calendar year 2002 for the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2001, there were ten fatal accidents reported for the coal mining industry. This is the fifth fatal accident reported as a "Powered Haulage" accident in 2002. At this time in 2001, there were two fatals classified as "Powered Haulage" accidents for 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