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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Wednesday, June 16, 2004, a 45 year old general inside laborer with 23 years mining experience was fatally injured when he became trapped between an upright steel channel and a moving bunker car. The victim was washing down the area at the time of the accident. Apparently the bunker operator was unaware of the victim's location.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • Never enter a location where unexpected or unanticipated motion could trap you unless the equipment has been secured against motion.
  • Ensure that equipment operators are aware of your presence and intentions before attempting to perform any work.
  • Operators of moving equipment should have knowledge of all miners' locations prior to placing the equipment in motion.
  • Remain aware of any movement or activity in or near your work area.
  • Never take unnecessary chances or shortcuts to save time or effort.
    • 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 12th fatality reported in calendar year 2004 in the coal mining industry. As of the accident date in 2003, there were 16 fatalities reported in the coal mining industry. This is the 6th fatality classified as Powered Haulage in 2004. At this time in 2003, there were 4 fatalities classified as Powered Haulage.

    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