The mechanic sustained non-life threatening injuries. He was recovered quickly and transported by Med-Flight to a local hospital where he was treated and released. Work continued, to extricate the continuous mining machine operator. He was recovered at 3:20 a.m. on April 14, 1999 and transported to the surface where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

• When mining in an area of transitional roof conditions, minimize development of multiple places from the same intersection.
  
  
• Always examine the roof properly in your work area.
  
  
• Always Be alert to changing roof conditions.
  
  
• Never make assumptions based on outward appearances

This is the 11th fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the coal mining industry. As of this date in 1998, there were 9 fatalities. This is the 3rd fatality classified as Roof Fall in 1999.

For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL99C11]