The fatality occurred on June 16 when the victim was struck by a roof fall measuring approximately 210' long, 20' wide, and 6 ½' thick.

 

The victim, employed by an independent contractor, was working with four other miners and had been installing timbers during retreat mining. They temporarily halted production to observe the mine roof when it began to collapse.

 

The section crew ran, but the victim was unable to escape the fall.

 

MSHA have issued a number of best practices to follow to stop a similar accident reoccurring:

Install supplemental support when hillseams or abnormal geological conditions are encountered.

Conduct a thorough visual examination of the roof, face, and ribs immediately before any work is performed and thereafter as conditions warrant.

Know and follow the approved pillaring procedures in the roof control plan.

Train all miners in proper escape and evacuation procedures during retreat mining.

Be alert for changing roof conditions.

Inspect test holes regularly for changes in roof strata.