Mining Incidents

Freelandville UndergroundCoal

Edwardsport, Knox County, IN · Abandoned and Sealed
MSHA Mine ID: 1202316
Fatalities
1
Total incidents
68
Years on record
2002–2012
Latest incident
Jul 2012

Fatalities at this mine

1 recorded
Struck against a moving object

At approx 5:20 pm a 40 ton articulating truck was traveling along a haulage road impacting a 63"" high berm. The truck traveled across the berm and fell 72 feet to the mine floor below. The victim was extracted from the truck by EMS and airlifted to the Hospital.

Reportable incidents

67 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2012 · 2 incidents

Struck by falling object

Roof bolting, loose rock fell out and came down striking his right pinky finger requiring four stitches.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Hammering bit into bit lug, piece of metal broke off, striking him in the upper lip, piece of metal lodged in lip. Resulting in 5 stitches in upper lip.

2011 · 2 incidents

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Taking trailer tongue out of bed of trailer, smashed pinky between tongue and rib, breaking left pinky and having two stitches.

Accident type, without injuries

There has been an unintentional roof fall in the #2 entry, in the Main West Return, @xc-26. Approximately 25' long, 17' wide, 3' high.

2010 · 5 incidents

Struck by falling object

Walking outby between rib and line curtain, draw rock fell, striking left cheek bone (stitches required).

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Pulling up slack to hang miner cable, when foot slipped and pulled something in left calf.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Traveling inby on 3rd NW Travelway @ xc-12 driver's foot became wedged between gas and brake pedal, pinching employee's left ankle between mantrip and rib.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Examining Section, stepped into a hole and twisted left knee.

Accident type, without injuries

A unintentional roof fall has occured @ xc-28 on 2mw between travelway and return. Length 20', width 17', Height 4'.

2009 · 9 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall has occurred between xc 6 and xc 7 of the main west beltline. The fall is approxiamately 18 ft wide, 25 ft long, 6ft in height.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Pulling drill steel from the top and smashed his right thumb between the drill steel and his extension steel.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall has occurred at xc 11 entry 1 of the main north west return. The fall is approxiamately 25 ft long, 18 ft wide, 5 ft height.

Accident type, without injuries

Lost power and fan @ 7:35 a.m. due to heavy thunderstorms . All employees were out of the mine @ the time of the inundation. Reported @8:53 a.m. K-order was issued.

Accident type, without injuries

Lost power @ 3:18 a.m. and fan. All employees were evacuated out of mine. Ventilation was restored @ 4:00 a.m. Employees did not go back in the mine due to rising water in the pit. At 5:08 a.m. the water breached the return portal and went to xc-7 MW return and over to xc-6 MW travelway. Reported at 5:19 a.m. There was no k order issued.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall has occurred at xc 7 entry 7 of the 2 west panel intake. The fall is approximately 19 feet wide, 20 feet long, and 8 feet high.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cribs were being built, victim was struck by a hammer on his right ring finger, resulting in the tip of his finger being broken.

Struck by falling object

small rock fell and struck lower back

2008 · 4 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall has occurred at XC 13 of the Main West Return. The fall was discovered during the weekly examination of the return. The fall is approximately 20 feet in length and 19.5 feet in width and 7.5 feet high.

Accident type, without injuries

At 11:55pm the mine lost power and had we received over 2 1/2 inches of rain in about 30 min. The diesel pump was pumping, but could not keep up, at around 12:58am water started running into the return portal down to XC 6 into travel belt, and Intake all at xc 6. MSHA was called at 1:06am and a Verbal K-order was issued.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall has occurred between the #3 & #2 entries at 27+60 on the 2 mw in the return. The fall was discovered on the weekly exam. The fall was approximately 20' long and 7.5' high and approximately 16.5' wide. The intersection #3 had been cribbed prior to fall, from the intersection of #3 to the #4 entry.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

A cleaning person was performing his duties at the mine office when a guard from the detective service drove past and saw him caughing & turning blue. Guard stated he came in mine office & victim sat down in a chair & passed out. Guard then called 911 and notified mine officials. Victim passed away enroute to hospital. Coroner's report said he died from heart attack.

2007 · 8 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

At 2:25 pm Severe thunderstorms passed thru dumping heavy amounts of rain. At approximately 2:35 pm the Mine manager was notified of rising water in the sumps and the section was notified to deenergize power and head out of the mine. At approximately 2:45 pm water breached the return portal and started running into the Mine. Three MSHA inspectors were on site.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Injured was riding on a mantrip going out of the mine; mantrip pulled out of travel way into crosscut to get out of oncoming traffic's way. When pulling out of crosscut injured's foot became wedged between the lip of the foot rest of the mantrip and an overhang on the rib, severely bruising his left foot.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall has occurred in the #2 entry of the 2nd Main West Return at 81 XC (48+60) in the intersection. The fall was discovered during an E01 inspection with an MSHA inspector. The fall was approximately 18' wide x 18' long x 6' high. The area was dangered & timbered off.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Bolting vc2 at 3+00 in 1st west panet, installing 2 bolts on corner of xc. When finished, started backing up, offside operator was loading supplies, when right foot got caught under tire. Inj was transported to hosp where it was discovered a broken bone 6"" above right ankle in tibia bone.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall has occurred in the #10 Entry of the Main South @ 19+20 - 20+40. This is an extension of a previous fall which has made it a reportable roof fall. The fall was approx. 120' feet long x 17 1/2' wide and 9' high. This area had already been cribbed and dangered off prior to fall.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred in the 1st West Rooms off of the 1st Main South at 3+60 of the #5 room, connecting with 4+20 at #5 room extending through #11 room. The fall was approx 360' long, 18' wide and 9' high.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred in the 1st west rooms off of 1st main south in the #1,2,3,4 rooms at 1+80 & connecting at the #4 rooms with 2 + 40 running in 2+40 in the #4 & #5 rooms. The fall extended for approx 300' and was 18' wide and approx 9' high.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred at 7+20 2nd set of rooms off of main south intake at evaluation point B. The fall was approximately 180' long x 17.5' wide and 8' high. This area had been timbered & dangered off due to suspect roof conditions.

2006 · 21 incidents

Contact with hot objects or substances

A mechanic lit diesel fuel in 5 gallon bucket to thaw air tanks on truck. EE was trying to stay warm by the fire and his clothes caught fire. He had on clothes from previous day that had diesel fuel on them. Contrary to company policy, the mechanic lit the fire. Air brake alcohol was provided by the company to thaw the lines out. The mechanic had instructed EE to watch the fire.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the 1st south main xc 34 - xc 37 (20 + 40 - 21 + 60) in the #4 entry. The fall was approximately 130' long, 15' wide and 9' high. This area of the mine had been dangered off on 9/19/06 due to questionable roof.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred in the #2 entry of the 2MW (61+20) at 102 xc of the return. The fall was approximately 40' long x 16'10"" wide & 5 1/2' high.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the 1st Main South at the 15 xc (9+00) in the #7 Entry. The fall was approximately 40' long x 18' wide x 5' high. The fall was found during the weekly examination and reported to an inspector on site.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Injured was working on a coal hauler. Piece of metal struck victim in left shoulder causing a laceration about an inch and a half long. Injured received 4 stitches in left shoulder.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the 1st Main South at the 31 XC (18+60) in the #8 entry. The fall was approximately 40' long, 17' wide & approx 8' high. The fall was found on an idle shift, during a fire check at the mine. They were called in on Sunday 8-13-06 at 1:00.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall has occurred on the 1st Main South in the #9 entry 18+00-17+40. The fall was approx. 80' long, 15.5' wide and 12' high. This fall occurred on an idle shift and was discovered by an examiner doing a fire check. The fall was called in at 1 pm Sunday 8/13/06.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the 1st South Main, 25th XC (15+00-15+60) in the #8 Entry. The fall was approximately 16 1/2 feet wide, 8 1/2 feet High and 45 feet long. This area had been dangered out on 8-1-06 due to poor roof conditions.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the 2nd main west at the 41xc, #3, 2 entries (24+60), the fall was approx. 135'long x 16.10'wide x 10'high. This area was laminated shell & was cribbed in the approaches due to adverse roof conditions.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the 2nd Main West at the 43xc #3 entry (25+80). The fall was approximately 37' long, 16.9' wide and 10' high. This area had been cribbed in spots & narrowed down due to adverse roof conditions.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the 2nd main west at the 67 xc (40 + 20) in the #7 entry, the fall was approx. 60' long x 17' wide and approx 10' high. Cribs had been built in the approaches to the intersection on 6-30-06 due to suspect roof conditions.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the 2nd main west at the 13XC (7+80) in the #7 entry. The fall was approx. 30'long x 18'wide x 12'high. The fall was primarily in the intersection on the entry which is a 4-way intersection.

Struck by falling object

Injured was bolting in the #7 entry of the face when a piece of rock fell out of the top striking his knee. Victim tried working next day; leg swelled up. Doctor ordered him to stay off it for a few days; first day of work missed 6/28/06.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the 2nd Main West at 56x6, in the #3 entry. The fall was part of a crosscut and an intersection. The fall was approximately 30' long, 18' wide and approx. 5' high. The fall will be timbered & dangered off.

Struck by falling object

Day shift crew was traveling to the unit, at XC 115 MNW, a piece of draw rock fell approximately 2' x 1' x 3/4"" fell from roof striking the injured at the head cutting his left ear. This required 8 stitches. Injured returned to work the same day.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

INJURED EMPLOYEE WAS BUILDING GUARDS FOR NEW DRIVE AREA. HE WAS CUTTING METAL USING CHOP SAW. PIECE OF METAL CAME UNDER HIS SAFETY GLASSES - FOREIGN BODY IN RIGHT EYE. EMPLOYEE WAS GIVEN A PRESCRIPTION FOR HIS EYE, MAKING THIS A REPORTABLE ACCIDENT.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

INJURED WAS WATCHING AS MINER CABLE WAS BEING PULLED UP, SLACK GOT TIGHT AND INJURED FEET WAS PULLED OUT FROM UNDER HIM CAUSING HIM TO FALL ON HIS BACK. EE WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL ON 2/13/06. DR. SAID WAS JUST A BRUISE. EE RETURNED TO WORK ON 2/15/06. EE WENT BACK TO DR. OF THE FAMILY. TOLD TO REMAIN OFF WORK TIL 2/20/06.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Injured was supervising a concrete pour at a location underground. As he was walking, stepped in hole injuring his knee.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the 1st South Panel between xc 14 and xc 17 in the #5 entry (8 + 55 - 10 + 20). The roof fall was approximately 220' long, 17' wide and approximately 8 1/2 thick. The roof fall did cover up the high line. Area was timbered off after fall.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the 1st South Panel between 32XC in the intersection of the #4 entry. The roof fall was approximately 45' long and 13' wide and approximately 5 1/2 to 6' high. This area had been flagged off due to adverse roof conditions.

Accident type, without injuries

AN UNINTENTIONAL ROOF FALL OCCURRED IN THE 1ST SOUTH PANEL OF #2 ENTRY FROM 18XC TO 21XC, THE FALL WAS APPROX 17'W, 16'L, 10'H. THE AREA HAS NOW BEEN CRIBBED AND DANGERED OFF.

2005 · 4 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

AN UNINTENTIONAL ROOF FALL OCCURRED IN THE 2ND MW INTAKE XC60 BETWEEN #6 & #7 ENTRY. APPROX. 38'LONG X 9'HIGH X 17'WIDE. THIS AREA HAD LAMINATED LIMESTONE & HAD BEEN BOLTED WITH 4' & 6' RESIN BOLTS. THIS AREA HAD BEEN CRIBBED & DANGERED OFF PRIOR TO THE FALL FOR BAD ROOF CONDITIONS.

Struck by flying object

Injured was cutting top from entry 2-1 with joy continous miner, when a piece of miner bit struck him in the neck. Injured was taken to hospital on 12/8/05 and the metal was removed and injured received 4 stitiches in his neck.

Accident type, without injuries

Due to hurrican Katrina we received 3.5"" of rain in an hour and a half. At 1:30 pm due to rising water the section was notified to evacuate the mine. All miners were out of the mine by 2:00 pm. At 2:15 pm water started entering our return portal and was 6"" to 8"" at 1xc. Pumps kept the water receeding from the return portal. Second shift started in the mine at 4:15 pm.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE was pushing a mantrip that was stuck with his coal hauler, as he was pushing he pulled hismelf up by grabbing his canopy in Dams so leg hit his steering lever causing his hauler to pinch into ribling smashing his right hand.

2004 · 6 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Wet drippers and slips slight separation between limestone and black shale, some small flaking on occasion, but not much.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was running wire rope through new tail piece, when he hit a piece of sheetmetal that was leaning up, striking him directly behind his steel toe on his right foot. He was taken to hospital, x-rayed, nothing broken, but bruised up. Doctor told him to stay off of it for a couple of days.

Struck against stationary object

EE was walking thru a curtain, came thru and hit his head on a brow, jamming his neck.

Accident type, without injuries

AN UNINTENTIONAL ROOF FALL OCCURRED IN THE 3RD SOUTH WEST PANEL INTAKE ROOMS #2 ENTRY BETWEEN SPAD 0+0 & 0+55 IN THE ENTRY BETWEEN INTERSECTIONS THIS AREA WAS BOLTED WITH 4"" FULLY GROUTED RESIN BOLTS. ROOF FALL WAS 38'LONG, 18'WIDE, 4-4 1/2'HIGH, LAMINATED GRAY SHALE WITH SLIPS.

Accident type, without injuries

Diesel backup pump to control incoming water, it kept up until about 7:30 pm at which time the mine started taking on water at return entrance, no one was in the mine and the power was restored at 8:12 pm.

Fall onto or against objects

EE WAS CHECKING PUMPS IN MW INTAKE. WHILE WALKING FROM PUMP AT 11 XC, HE SLIPPED ON WET ROCK CAUSING HIM TO FALL AGAINST THE RIB WHICH CAUSED INJURY TO HIS RIGHT SHOULDER. EE WAS A CONTUSION T O HIS RIGHT SHOULDER.

2003 · 2 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

PRESHIFT EXAMINER STARTED EXAMINING AROUND 9:57 PM AFTER HIS EXAMINE WAS COMPLETE, AS HE EXITED THE MINE AROUND 10:55 PM HE NOTICED THAT THE WATER WAS RISING IN THE PIT SUMP NEAR THE RETURN PO RTAL ENTRANCE. HE WENT TO THE SURFACE SHOP AND TOLD HIS MEN TO CHECK ALL THE SURFACE PUMPS 4 TOTAL, MAKE SURE THEY ARE PUMPING. THEN THEY WENT TO THE PORTAL OPENING TO CHECK OUT THE WATER DEP

Struck by falling object

EE AND COWORKER WERE ROOF BOLTING A FRESH CUT. THEY WERE ON THEIR THIRD ROLL OF INSTALLATION. WHILE EE'S STEEL WAS BEING SET UP FOR DRILLING HOLE A PIECE OF BLACK SLATE APPROX 3'X 2'X 6"" THICK FELL AT POINT OF CONTACT WITH DRILL STEEL, FELL ONTO EE'S RT SIDE OF NECK CAUSING LACERATION TO RT SIDE OF NECK WHICH REQUIRED 11 STITCHES.

2002 · 4 incidents

Struck by falling object

SECTION SUPERVISOR WAS CHECKING WITH BOLTING CREW GIVING INSTRUCTIONS OF MINING CYCLE, LOCATION WAS #2 ENTRY AT FACE OF PANEL ROOMS. AS HE WAS LEAVING BOLTER LT. SIDE OPERATOR, HE TOOK ABOUT 2 STEPS AND A PIECE OF BLACK SHALE FELL FROM ALONG THE RIB & ROOF AREA WHICH MEASURED 3'WIDE X 6'LONG X 0-6""THICK. IT FELL FROM ABOUT 2'UP THE TOP WAS 8'TALL. ROCK STRUCK HIS HEAD, NECK, BACK

Accident type, without injuries

AN UNENTDENTIONAL ROOF FALL OCCURRED INT HE 1ST MAIN NORTH WEST INTAKE 34 TO 35 YRS IN #6 ENTRY THIS ROOF FALL WAS LOCATED BETWEEN 34 AND 35 INTERSECTION. AND THE AREA WAS SUPPORTED WITH 4' FU LLY GROUTED ROOF BOLTS THE FALL WAS 17'W,X40'LX 4 1/2' HIGH. THE ROOF CONDITIONS IN THIS AREA CONSISTED OF A HIGHLY LAMINATED GRAY AND ROCK SHALE WITH SLIPS AND OTHER DRIPPER.

Struck by falling object

EE AND ANOTHER EE WERE ROOF BOLTING A FRESH CUT, HAD INSTALLED TWO FULL ROWS OF ROOF BOLTS AND WHILE DRILLING 1ST HOLE FOR 3RD ROW A ROCK FELL FROM TOP AND RIB AREA ABOUT 2 FT WIDE 3 FT LONG 0 TO 18"" THICK AND STRUCK EE ON RT SHOULDER X-RAY SHOWED BROKEN RT SHOULDER.

Struck by flying object

EE WAS DRIVING A BUSHING PIN INTO PLACE TO LOCK DOWN BELT STRUCTURE. THE SUPERVISOR WAS PASSING BY ABOUT 45' AWAY WHEN HE GOT A PIECE OF DIRT INHIS EYE. HE WORKED THE REST OF THE SHIFT AFTER F LUSHING EYE. HE THOUGHT HE GOT IT OUT BUT STILL HURT. WENT HOME & WOKE AT 3:30 A.M. WITH SEVERE EYE PAIN. AFTER BEING EXAMINED BY DOCTOR, WENT TO HOSPITAL TO HAVE SMALL PIECE OF STEEL REMOVED