Mining Incidents
Trainer view Print or save as PDF from your browser (⌘P / Ctrl+P).
← Standard view
Case study · MSHA Record #219982150001

Laborer fatality

July 16, 1998 at 10:30 AM
Tracy Vein Slope · Summit Anthracite Inc · Schuylkill County, PA
Investigator narrative
TWO MINERS WERE ASSIGNED WORK IN THE MONKEY HEADING OF THE 2ND LEVEL EAST GANGWAY WORKING. THEY APPARENTLY WERE PREPARING A HITCH FOR ROOF SUPPORT IN THE CYCLE OF MINING, AND AS THEY FRED THE HITCH, A POCKET OF METHANE GAS WAS IGNITED CAUSIING AN EXPLOSION TO OCCUR. THE RESUTLING EXPLOSION CAUSED FATAL INJURIES TO ONE AND SERIOUS INJURIES TO OTHER.
Record details
Classification
IGNITION OR EXPLOSION OF GAS OR DUST
Accident type
Struck by concussion
Activity at time
Unknown
Subunit / location
UNDERGROUND
Underground location
LAST OPEN CROSSCUT
Mining method
Hand
Source of injury
METHANE GAS-IN MNE & PROC
Nature of injury
MULTIPLE INJURIES
Body part affected
MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)
Total mining experience
17 years
Experience at this mine
8 years
Experience in this job
8 years
Mine type
Underground
Sector
Coal
Similar incidents in MSHA records · same classification: IGNITION OR EXPLOSION OF GAS OR DUST
  • July 31, 2019 · KenAmerican Resources Inc · KY · Welder (Shop)

    FMC employees were attempting to seal the hoist shaft at the Bremen Portal at Ken American Paradise Mine No. 9. Steel beams were welded in place metal decking was secured covering the shaft. Methane accumulated in the shaft and caused a series of two explosions 4-5 seconds apart. The second explosion killed FMC…

  • May 9, 2018 · Lhoist North America of Alabama, LLC · AL · Dryer Operator

    The injured miner & the supervisor were attempting to light the #2 kiln's gas flame. While the miner was holding a flare attached to a metal pole at the end of the gas pipe, the supervisor turned on the gas. In the process of lighting, the gas ignited & blew back through the front of the kiln causing burns to the…

  • July 29, 2016 · Spartan Mining Company, LLC · WV · Belt Foreman

    On 7/29/16, employee and co-worker were re-welding guards over the drive shaft of the turbine pump located on the surface above the #3 Shaft. Shortly after welding was completed, an ignition occurred in the #3 Shaft and employee received significant burns and lacerations. The investigation of this event is on-going.…