Utility Man fatality at Buchanan Mine #1 (Buchanan Minerals, LLC), VA, May 31, 2024

Employee was struck-by a rock in the 2 Right crosscut of the 16 East Section, while traveling under unsupported roof.

On May 31, 2024, at approximately 4:20 p.m., Brock Jackson, a 27 year-old roof bolter with over three years of mining experience, died when a portion of mine roof fell on him. The accident occurred as he was traveling on foot through an area of unsupported roof. The accident occurred because the operator did not ensure that all miners were working or traveling under supported roof.

1. The operator did not ensure that all miners were working or traveling under supported roof.

   Corrective action: The mine operator has developed and implemented a revision to the approved roof control plan. This revision includes more visible warning devices and physical barriers to all approaches leading to unsupported areas. All miners have been trained on the revision to the approved roof control plan which included a reemphasis that miners are not to travel under unsupported roof.

Read the full report (PDF)

Findings from MSHA's final investigation report, which supersedes the preliminary narrative above.

Activity at time of incident

Walking, Running

Subunit / location

UNDERGROUND

Underground location

FACE

Mining method

Continuous Mining

Accident type

Struck by falling object

Source of injury

CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE

Nature of injury

MULTIPLE INJURIES

Body part affected

TRUNK, MULTIPLE PARTS

Total mining experience

3 years

Experience at this mine

1 year

Experience in this job

0 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY

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