Mining Incidents
Trainer view Print or save as PDF from your browser (⌘P / Ctrl+P).
← Standard view
Case study · MSHA Record #219891000082

Continuous Miner Helper fatality

April 3, 1989 at 9:45 PM
Dominion No 4 · Dominion Coal Corporation · Buchanan County, VA
Investigator narrative
A ROOF FALL IN SLIP FROM OCCURRED IN THE INTERSECTION OF THE LAST OPEN CROSSCUT OF THE NO. 7 HEADING WHICH RESULTED IN FATAL INJURIES TO THE MINER HELPER THE FALL MEASURED APPROX 20'W 40'L 40- 45" IN THICKNESS AND BROKE INTO MANY SMALLER PIECES AND APPARENTLY WITHOUT WARNING THE FALL BEGAN AT THE RIB RIB OF THE NO. 7 HEADING AND FELL INTO THE NO. 6 RIGHT BREAK EMPL WAS PRONOUNCED D
Record details
Classification
FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Accident type
Struck by falling object
Activity at time
Move Power Cable
Subunit / location
UNDERGROUND
Underground location
FACE
Mining method
Continuous Mining
Source of injury
CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE
Nature of injury
CRUSHING
Body part affected
MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)
Total mining experience
43 years
Experience at this mine
0 years
Experience in this job
0 years
Mine type
Underground
Sector
Coal
Similar incidents in MSHA records · same classification: FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
  • April 2, 2026 · Marfork Coal Company · WV · 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…

  • September 2, 2025 · Heidelberg Materials Northeast LLC · PA · Blaster

    The EE was loading lifters when a piece of rock (approx. 4'x 5' x 2') fell from the ceiling and struck the EE. The EE was not pinned under the rock. This resulted in a fatal accident.

  • July 12, 2025 · Nyrstar Tennessee Mines, Strawberry Plains LLC · TN · Scoop Tram Operator

    Operator was conducting remoting activities in an area known as the 2025 area when a large rock contacted the cab. Operator was found in the cab out past the designated no-go line and sustained fatal injuries.