Mine Fatality

One man is dead and two others are injured Wednesday after an accident at a coal mine in Tuscaloosa County.

Deputy Jessica McDaniel, a spokesperson for the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, said they responded to Warrior Met Coal’s Mine No. 4 in north Tuscaloosa County around 7 a.m. Wednesday on reports of a workplace accident.

McDaniel said the mine has an approximate address of 13000 Triple L Road, which is off Watermelon Road.

McDaniel said three employees were involved in the accident and injured, and medical deputies and EMS crews transported them away from the mine for treatment, but one did not survive.

McDaniel said the accident will be investigated by the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, which looks into all deaths outside a hospital setting in the area, as well as Warrior Met Coal and the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

At this time, investigators do not suspect foul play, McDaniel said.

This is a developing story, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread for more as it becomes available.

Wesley Cox, communications manager for Warrior Met Coal, issued a statement on the company’s behalf.

“Warrior Met Coal Inc. regrets to report that early this morning a serious accident occurred at its Mine No. 4 that resulted in the death of an employee. As required by law, the Company notified Federal and State agencies, including the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), and is cooperating and working with the agencies,” Cox said. “At Warrior, we place the highest priority on safety and we are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Our immediate focus is to support the affected family, friends, and coworkers of our employee at this difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all who have been impacted by this loss.”