Haul/Off Road/Coal/Ore/Pit/Quarry/Rock/Rubber Tire Truck Driver

At this time unknown dump point failure causing haul truck operated by the deceased to back and roll down the dump point.

On November 5, 2024, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Troy Tarr, a 32-year-old haul truck operator with nine weeks and two days of experience, died when the ground at the dump point failed, causing the haul truck to roll over multiple times and come to rest at the base of the primary crusher stockpile. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) ensure the dump point could support the load of the haul truck, 2) conduct an adequate examination that would ensure the haul truck operator dumped material a safe distance back from the edge of the unstable dump point, and 3) ensure that the haul truck operator wore a seat belt.

1. The mine operator did not ensure the dump point could support the weight of the loaded haul truck.

   Corrective action: The existing dumping point has been eliminated. It has been replaced by a dumping location that does not require dumping from the top of the pile.

2. The mine operator did not conduct an adequate examination that would ensure the haul truck operator dumped material a safe distance back from the edge of the unstable dump point.

   Corrective action: A new dumping location has been established which does not require dumping from the top of a pile. Therefore, the edge of a dumping point is eliminated.

3. The mine operator did not ensure that the haul truck operator wore a seat belt.

   Corrective action: The mandatory use of seat belts has been added to the hazard training for all miners.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Activity at time of incident

Haulage Or Dump Truck

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Struck against a moving object

Source of injury

HGHWY ORE CARIER,LRGE TRK

Nature of injury

MULTIPLE INJURIES

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

0 years

Experience at this mine

0 years

Experience in this job

0 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY