Special Edition – Mine Fatality in Texas

Man dies in mining accident in Atascosa County, sheriff says
Story by KENS 5 Staff (KENS 5) • May 17

A man died in a mining accident in Atascosa County, officials said Wednesday. The man’s body was found at the work site after he went missing around 1 a.m. Wednesday. After hours of searching, the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Jourdanton Fire Department, were called out to assist around 4 a.m.

Atascosa County Sheriff David Soward identified the man as 64-year-old Abel Calvillo from Charlotte, Texas. Sheriff Soward said Calvillo was operating a bulldozer when a wall saturated by the rain collapsed over the machine, smothering Calvillo. Rescue crews used drone technology to try to find him via thermal heat, but his body was not found until 5 a.m. Wednesday. Officials say he possibly suffocated or drowned from the mud and dirt covering him.

Sheriff Soward said the mining site is owned by North American Construction Company. KENS 5 spoke with a staff member of the company who did confirm there was an incident, but did not give any other details. The Mine Safety and Health Administration is investigating.

Thanks for the share JM!