Mining Incidents
Fatality · MSHA Record #220192210008

Welder (Shop)

July 31, 2019 at 4:31 PM
Paradise #9 · Surface · Coal
Muhlenberg County, KY
ClassificationIGNITION OR EXPLOSION OF GAS OR DUST
TypeStruck by concussion
Investigator narrative
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 employee. No other fatalities or injuries occurred.
Record details
Activity at time of incident
Welding Or Cutting
Subunit / location
SURFACE AT UNDERGROUND
Accident type
Struck by concussion
Source of injury
METHANE GAS-IN MNE & PROC
Nature of injury
MULTIPLE INJURIES
Total mining experience
40 years
Experience at this mine
0.04 years
Experience in this job
19 years
Degree of injury
FATALITY
Source: US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) · Document 220192210008 · Mine ID 1517741Trainer view →