Special Edition: Coal Fatal # 4

Coal miner killed in Harlan County

Courtesy: Brian O’Brian
By WYMT News Staff |
Posted: Wed 11:27 AM, Mar 28, 2018  |
Updated: Wed 11:36 AM, Mar 28, 2018

HARLAN CO., Ky. (WYMT) – The Harlan County coroner tells WYMT that a coal miner died after an accident Wednesday morning.

Hubert Grubbs Jr., 29, of Harlan County was doing pre-shift maintenance work on the beltline when he was entangled.

The accident happened at a mine owned by Revelation Energy around 2:20 a.m. The mine is in the Cloverlick community in Harlan County, just past Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College.

Grubbs was an underground coal miner with more than 10 years of experience. He had several certifications.

Grubbs’ body is being taken to Frankfort for an autopsy.

Harlan Co. Coal Miner Killed In Conveyor Mishap
Posted: Mar 28, 2018 11:14 AM EDT

HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — A coal miner was killed Tuesday evening as he prepared to begin his shift in what officials say was a conveyor belt accident.

Officials said 29-year-old Hubert Grubbs Jr. of Harlan was fatally injured at Revelation Energy’s Panther Mine in Cumberland, Kentucky.

According to the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Grubbs had a decade of experience as a pre-shift belt examiner.

A statement from the agency says Grubbs was killed “when the conveyor started unexpectedly.”

“Early this morning, a young Kentucky coal miner tragically lost his life,” Gov. Matt Bevin said in a statement. “Our hearts break for the Harlan County community during this trying time. It is our fervent prayer that his family and friends will find comfort through the love and support of their fellow Kentuckians in the days, weeks, and months ahead.”

The Energy and Environment Cabinet said an investigation is ongoing. It says the mine is receiving a a full inspection and has been issued 15 citations for non-compliance and one closure order. It says the closure order and nine of the citations have been abated.

Grubb’s body is being sent to the state medical examiner’s office for autopsy.

Thanks for the share, JB, RM, and JM.