On Thursday, June 5, 2008, locomotive operator (motorman) Gary Hoffman was fatally injured when he lost control of a 20 ton locomotive and two flat cars loaded with donut cribs. The victim fell, jumped, or was knocked off the company Number 67 locomotive. The victim was unable to maintain control of the locomotive and loaded flat cars due to condensation and moisture on the rails.
Fatality #14 - June 5, 2008
COAL MINE FATALITY - On Thursday, June 5, 2008, a lead motorman (locomotive operator) was fatally injured while transporting supplies on two mine rail cars. The tail motorman, traveling behind the trip approximately 300 to 400 feet, discovered the victim between the clearance side of the track and the mine rib along the haulage. The victim's locomotive continued traveling inby and derailed approximately 1,400 feet from the location of the victim. The track haulage was down grade in the area where the accident occurred.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRIATION
COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH
REPORT OF INVESTIGATION
Underground Coal Mine
Fatal Powered Haulage Accident
June 5, 2008