Fatality #1 – February 6, 2018
Accident Classification: Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall
Location: Sentinel Mine, West Virginia
Mine Controller: Arch Coal Inc
Mine Type: Underground
Mined Material: Coal (Bituminous)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – Authorities say a coal miner has been killed at an underground mine in northern West Virginia.
The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training says the incident occurred shortly before 4 a.m. Tuesday at Wolf Run Mining LLC’s Sentinel mine in Barbour County.
According to the office, 52-year-old Leonard W. Griffith of Valley Bend, West Virginia, was working on a continuous mining machine when he was struck by a rib roll, which occurs when a block of coal comes loose from the wall or ceiling.
Griffith was an electrician at the mine.
Inspectors from the state office are investigating.
The mine is owned by St. Louis-based Arch Coal.
According to the company, the mine produces high-volume metallurgical coal.
Thanks for the share, JM.
