COAL MINE FATALITY -On Monday, December 14, 1998, a 38-year old continuous mining machine operator and his helper, age 35, were both fatally injured when they were struck by a roof fall while extracting a final lift of a coal pillar.
The roof fall measured approximately 85 feet by 45 feet by 6 feet minimum in thickness. The accident occurred while the victims were operating the continuous mining machine by remote control. The area where the roof fall occurred was previously supported by 72 inch, no.6, grade 60, fully grouted roof bolts, installed through steel straps.
These are the 27th and 28th fatalities reported in calendar year 1998 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1997, there were 27 fatalities. These are the 12th and 13th fatalities classified as Roof Falls in 1998.
For more information: