Shuttle Car Operator

Employee was setting timbers for the next retreat mining lift inby spad 21417 when the slab cut entry that was previously cut fell to the roof bolts causing draw rock to strike the employee. Employee was coherent and alert while being transported outside. During transportation to medical facility they suffered a cardiac arrest. Incident remains under investigation.

Texto original en inglés de la MSHA

On April 2, 2026, at 5:05 p.m., Aaron Warrix, a 53-year-old shuttle car operator with over 23 years of mining experience, died after being struck by falling roof rock when he was installing roadside-radius (turn) posts on a pillar section. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) ensure that no person worked or traveled under unsupported roof, 2) follow the approved roof control plan, and 3) conduct an adequate on-shift examination.

1. The mine operator did not ensure that no person worked or traveled under unsupported roof.

   Acción correctiva: The mine operator retrained all miners and supervisors on the requirement that no person work or travel under unsupported roof and implemented procedures to ensure supports are installed from supported areas. Additionally, the operator revised the RCP to include a different method for the installation of radius (turn) posts to minimize exposure.

2. The mine operator did not follow the approved roof control plan.

   Acción correctiva: The mine operator trained miners and supervisors on the approved RCP, including lift dimensions, support requirements, and extraction sequence. Management also revised the RCP to require the mine foreman, or an equivalent mine official, to travel to the retreat section weekly, observe a complete mining cycle, and record the observation in the pre-shift/on-shift examination book.

3. The operator did not conduct an adequate on-shift examination.

   Acción correctiva: The mine operator retrained certified persons on conducting adequate examinations, identifying hazardous conditions, and correcting and recording these hazardous conditions before work begins or continues in the affected areas.

Lee el informe completo (PDF)

Hallazgos del informe final de investigación de la MSHA, que sustituye la narrativa preliminar anterior.

Actividad al momento del incidente

Timbering, Build Cribs

Subunidad / ubicación

UNDERGROUND

Ubicación subterránea

FACE

Método de minería

Continuous Mining

Tipo de accidente

Golpeado por objeto que cae

Fuente de la lesión

CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE

Naturaleza de la lesión

CRUSHING

Parte del cuerpo afectada

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Experiencia minera total

24 years

Experiencia en esta mina

5 years

Experiencia en este puesto

20 years

Grado de la lesión

FATALITY