Accident News

Miner Killed In Pike County Accident

A miner was fatally injured today when material from a pillar fell on him at the Tri Star Coal LLC No. 1 mine in Pike County.

The victim, David Chad Bolen, 28, of Harold, was moving a shuttle car anchor at the time of the accident.  The Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing (OMSL) was dispatched to the scene immediately.

Bolen, a shuttle car operator, had been employed at Tri Star Coal for two months. Bolen had three years prior experience as a shuttle car operator.

“We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Bolen. Improving mine safety has been a priority of our administration as evidenced by the passage of legislation enacted by the general assembly this year,” Governor Ernie Fletcher said. “Although we are making significant progress we will not be satisfied until every working miner returns home safely.”

The accident occurred approximately 2:30 p.m. EDT and is being jointly investigated by OMSL and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Contact our West Virginia Accident Lawyers if you have ever experienced a personal injury and think others are at fault for the accident.

	Did You Know?
	Accidents involving other moving vehicles were most dangerous Collision with another motor vehicle in transport was the most common first harmful event for fatal, injury and property-damage-only crashes. Collisions with fixed objects and noncollisions accounted for only 17 percent of all crashes, but they accounted for 39 percent of fatal crashes.