INTERNATIONAL COAL NEWS

Fatality at West Virginia surface mine

COMPANY and federal officials have confirmed the death of one worker at Massey Energy's Republic ...

Donna Schmidt

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A Massey spokesperson told ILN that the victim, operating a coal truck for contractor Medford Trucking, was fatality injured after his vehicle overturned at 5.35pm Saturday evening.

The identity of the driver has not been disclosed.

“The runaway truck overturned on the haul road and the driver was extricated from the cab by the local fire department,” MSHA spokesperson Amy Louviere said.

“Federal investigators indicated that faulty brakes may have played a role, as well as icy road conditions.”

Massey confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the powered haulage accident.

MSHA has requested a 103j order to commence its investigation, and two inspectors were dispatched to the site.

Massey officials are also evaluating the accident in cooperation with state and federal officials.

“The company will investigate the incident thoroughly and it is committed to taking all steps necessary to keep its haul roads safe.”

The surface mine in Scarbro, Fayette County, employs 240 workers.

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