Bull Gang Foreman fatality at BLACK EAGLE (Marfork Coal Company, LLC), WV, February 28, 2025

EE had been jack hammering to set a water trap for seals and traded off with coworker to take a break went over to rib sat down when rib roll 68"L x 24" W x 8" T came off at spad #3002/7483 on EE striking EE in the chest and abdomen area.

On February 28, 2025, at 2:35 p.m., Billy Stalker, a 46-year-old seal construction worker/crew leader for Wright Concrete Underground LLC with 28 years of mining experience, died when a portion of rib rock fell on him. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) support or otherwise control the rib to protect miners, and 2) conduct adequate preshift examinations.

1. The mine operator did not support or otherwise control the rib to protect miners.

   Corrective action: The mine operator installed supplemental supports at the South Browns Branch Submains Seal Area in the form of fully grouted roof bolts, cable bolts, 560 (six by six) posts, nine cribs, five steel jacks, and a minimum of 50 rib bolts. The mine operator developed and implemented a revision to the approved RCP to require all construction sites to be rehabilitated in accordance with the approved plan. The mine operator trained miners on the revised RCP.

2. The mine operator did not conduct adequate preshift examinations.

   Corrective action: The mine operator conducted the necessary preshift examinations and recorded the hazards observed for the South Browns Branch Submains Seal Area. The mine operator trained mine examiners and mine management on the requirements to conduct preshift examinations to identify and correct hazardous conditions.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Activity at time of incident

Idle

Subunit / location

UNDERGROUND

Underground location

LAST OPEN CROSSCUT

Mining method

Continuous Mining

Accident type

Struck by falling object

Source of injury

CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE

Nature of injury

CRUSHING

Body part affected

TRUNK, MULTIPLE PARTS

Total mining experience

28 years

Experience at this mine

0 years

Experience in this job

10 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY

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