Utility Man

Trench was dug to repair drain pipe. No sloping or shoring protection system was in place. Trench was approximately 10 foot deep and 8 foot wide. Side wall collapsed and crushed worker.

On January 3, 2025, at 5:50 p.m., Segundo Bosquez, a 44-year-old haul truck operator with four months and four days of mining experience, died when he was engulfed by material in a trench. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) conduct a ground condition examination before managers and miners worked in the trench and 2) correct hazardous ground conditions.

1. The mine operator did not correct hazardous ground conditions before managers and miners worked in the trench.

   Corrective action: The mine operator developed, implemented, and trained miners on revised procedures for identifying and correcting hazardous ground conditions and will conduct regular training on the ground control procedures. The mine operator will conduct periodic audits and inspections to ensure compliance with the ground control procedures.

2. The mine operator did not conduct a ground condition examination before managers and miners worked in the trench.

   Corrective action: The mine operator has developed a procedure and trained miners for conducting an examination of ground conditions.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Activity at time of incident

Machine Maintenance

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Caught in, under or between collapsing material or buildings

Source of injury

LOOSE DIRT AND MUD

Nature of injury

CRUSHING

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Degree of injury

FATALITY