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Fatality #15 - September 1, 2011

Accident Classification: Machinery
Location: North Antelope Rochelle Mine, Wyoming
Mine Controller: Peabody Powder River Operations LLC
Mine Type: Surface
Mined Material: Coal (Bituminous)
Incident Date/Time: September 1, 2011 10:36 am

On Thursday, September 1, 2011, at approximately 10:36 a.m. A contract Driller was fatally injured while working on the drill deck. The contractor was drilling a water well for future mining purposes. The victim was attempting to separate a pipe connection when he was struck by a tong when stored energy released. MSHA is investigating this accident.

PUBLIC NOTICE

This posting serves to provide a public notice to employees of the mine, employees of the mining company(s), employees of independent contractors with any connection to the mine, persons with any connection to the mine, and any person with information regarding the cause or contributing factors of this accident.

Please provide any information to Dan Vetter, Lead Accident Investigator at 303-918-1175.

PRELIMINARY REPORT

On Thursday, September 1, 2011, at approximately 10:36 a.m. A contract Driller was fatally injured while working on the drill deck. The contractor was drilling a water well for future mining purposes. The victim was attempting to separate a pipe connection when he was struck by a tong when stored energy released. MSHA is investigating this accident.

FATALITY ALERT

COAL MINE FATALITY - On Thursday September 1, 2011, a 29-year-old contract driller with 1 year, 3 months of experience was killed at a surface coal mine. The victim was attempting to separate a pipe connection when he was struck by a tong wrench. The rig was being used to drill a water well. The crew was working to free the drill stem that was stuck in the drill hole when the accident occurred.

FINAL REPORT
CAI-2011-15
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION 

COAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

REPORT OF INVESTIGATION 

Surface Coal Mine 

Machinery
September 1, 2011 

Weston Engineering, Inc. (WT9) 

at 

North Antelope Rochelle Mine
Peabody Powder River Mining LLC
Wright, Campbell County, Wyoming
MSHA I.D. No. 48-01353 

Accident Investigators