Mining Incidents
Trainer viewPrint or save as PDF from your browser (⌘P / Ctrl+P).
← Standard view
Case study · MSHA Record #220020100043

Continuous Miner Operator, Coal Mole Operator fatality

January 2, 2002 at 1:15 PM
Justice #1 · Independence Coal Company Inc · Boone County, WV
Investigator narrative
ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2002, EMPLOYEE WAS FATALLY INJURED BY A SUDDEN FALL OF ROOF WHILE OPERATING THE CONTINUOUS MINER IN THE #2 BELT ENTRY (#2 RIGHT BREAK).
Record details
Classification
FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Accident type
Struck by falling object
Activity at time
Continuous Miner
Subunit / location
UNDERGROUND
Source of injury
CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE
Nature of injury
MULTIPLE INJURIES
Total mining experience
23 years
Experience at this mine
4 years
Experience in this job
1.5 years
Mine type
Underground
Sector
Coal
Similar incidents in MSHA records· same classification: FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
  • April 2, 2026 · Marfork Coal Company · WV · Shuttle Car Operator, Mantrip Operator, Ramcar Operator, Rail Runner, Buggy Operator

    Employee was setting timbers for the next retreat mining lift inby spad 21417 when the slab cut entry that was previously cut fell to the roof bolts causing draw rock to strike the employee. Employee was coherent and alert while being transported outside. During transportation to medical facility they suffered a…

  • September 2, 2025 · Heidelberg Materials Northeast LLC · PA · Blaster, Shooter, Shotfirer, Explosive Worker, Powder Gang/Monkey

    The EE was loading lifters when a piece of rock (approx. 4'x 5' x 2') fell from the ceiling and struck the EE. The EE was not pinned under the rock. This resulted in a fatal accident.

  • July 12, 2025 · Nyrstar Tennessee Mines, Strawberry Plains LLC · TN · Scoop Tram Operator, Load/Haul/Dump Operator

    Operator was conducting remoting activities in an area known as the 2025 area when a large rock contacted the cab. Operator was found in the cab out past the designated no-go line and sustained fatal injuries.

Source: US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) public records · Document 220020100043 · Mine ID 4607273
Mining Incidents · miningincidents.org/incident/414053