Fatal mining incident

Name: Mining Incidents: US MSHA accident records
Creator: ByShovel LLC
License: https://www.usa.gov/government-works

April 7, 1989 at 10:00 AM

Topeka Stone Incorporated · Topeka Stone Inc · Lagrange County, IN

Investigator narrative

CHAIN SUPPORTING THE I-BEAMS SLIPPED OFF OF I-BEAM AND UNRAVELED FROM FRONT END LOADER BUCKET. I.NAME JUMPED OFF OF I-BEAM, WHICH HE WAS TRYING TO RE-HOOK AND FELL BETWEEN THE TWO I-BEAMS AND A CROSS PIECE BETWEEN I-BEAMS HIT HIM IN THE CHEST. (THE VICTIM CLIMBED A SUPPORT STANDARD OF I-BEAMS TO RESECURE A CHAIN USED IN THE SUPPORT. THE CHAIN CAME UNDONE AND STANDARD FELL CRUSHING

Record details

Classification: HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Accident type: Struck by... NEC
Activity at time: Handling Supplies Or Material
Subunit / location: STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT
Source of injury: STEEL RAIL (ALL KINDS)
Nature of injury: CRUSHING
Body part affected: CHEST (RIBS/BREAST BONE/CHEST ORGNS)
Total mining experience: 12 years
Experience at this mine: 12 years
Experience in this job: 12 years
Mine type: Surface
Sector: Metal/Non-Metal

Similar incidents in MSHA records · same classification: HANDLING OF MATERIALS

September 3, 2026 · KG Mining (Bald Mountain) Inc. · NV · Prep Plant Foreman

Unbolted flange connection to swap out gasket. While aligning flange bolt holes to install bolts the pipe shifted and rolled off dunnage and crushed worker. Which resulted in a fatal head injury
September 3, 2026 · KG Mining (Bald Mountain) Inc. · NV · Welder (Non-Shop)

Employee was cutting out the parent steel floor from a haul truck bed. While Standing underneath the section of plate being cut out the strap pulling on the plate broke and plate sprung back striking them. Resulting in loss of arm and multiple back injures.
November 22, 2025 · United Salt Carlsbad LLC · NM · Dryer Operator

The employee was pressure washing silo #6 and was found with their head and right arm in the silo with salt buildup on their head and right arm. The employee was pronounced dead at the scene.