Mining Incidents
Trainer view Print or save as PDF from your browser (⌘P / Ctrl+P).
← Standard view
Case study · MSHA Record #219970060006

Coal/Ore Shovel Operator fatality

December 19, 1996 at 6:15 PM
East Volunteer · Andalex Resources Inc · Hopkins County, KY
Investigator narrative
EE WAS OPERATING AN EXCAVATOR LOADING COAL ONTO A 350B HAUL TRUCK WHEN SUDDENLY THE SLOPED HIGHWALL ABOVE THE EXCAVATOR GAVE WAY SLIDING INTO THE PIT COVEREING THE EXCAVATOR WITH MUD AND WATER , TRAPPING EE IN THE OPERATOR'S CAB, FATALLY INJURING HIM.
Record details
Classification
FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Accident type
Caught in, under or between collapsing material or buildings
Activity at time
Power Shovel, Dragline
Subunit / location
STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT
Source of injury
BROKEN ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE
Nature of injury
SUFFOC,SMOK INHILAT,DROWN
Body part affected
BODY SYSTEMS
Total mining experience
24 years
Experience at this mine
24 years
Experience in this job
22 years
Mine type
Facility
Sector
Coal
Similar incidents in MSHA records · same classification: FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
  • May 19, 2026 · Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC · PA · Laborer

    Employee was setting a post at 24xcut in 7 South #6 track entry, to barricade off an area of concern. While tightening up a post a piece of rock dislodged from the upper portion of the rib and fell striking the employee. The employee suffered fatal injuries as a result of this event.

  • February 28, 2025 · Marfork Coal Company, LLC · WV · Bull Gang Foreman

    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.

  • January 29, 2025 · Lexington Coal Company, LLC · WV · Drill Operator

    The employee was drilling a test hole in the surface pit floor to see if the rider coal seam was under the seam they were taking. Due to the freezing and thawing of the highwall a large chunk of rock approximately 4'x2'x3' came down striking the enclosed cab of the mobile drill, ripping the cab off and striking the…