Monday, November 06, 2006
Pike County Miner Killed In Accident
A coal miner has lost his life in an accident inside a Pike County mine. The accident occured at approximately 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the McCoy Elkhorn No. 23 mine.
The victim has been identified as Tony Swiney, 44, a section foreman.
The Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing is investigating the accident. In keeping with procedure, the mine has been closed until the investigation is completed. The initial indication is that Swiney was struck in the head by a large plug at the end of an electrical cable being dragged behind a motorized coal scoop. The plug end was wrapped around a support pole of the scoop canopy and appears to have become snagged, the plug end whipped loose from the pole, and the victim was struck in the head. He was conscious when brought out of the mine but died enroute to a hospital.
"I want to express sincere sympathy to the friends and family of Mr. Swieney," Governor Ernie Fletcher stated. "Coal mining is part of our heritage and our economy, but this accident underscores the fact that mining has many hazards. That’s why we are determined to keep working to improve mine safety."
The victim has been identified as Tony Swiney, 44, a section foreman.
The Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing is investigating the accident. In keeping with procedure, the mine has been closed until the investigation is completed. The initial indication is that Swiney was struck in the head by a large plug at the end of an electrical cable being dragged behind a motorized coal scoop. The plug end was wrapped around a support pole of the scoop canopy and appears to have become snagged, the plug end whipped loose from the pole, and the victim was struck in the head. He was conscious when brought out of the mine but died enroute to a hospital.
"I want to express sincere sympathy to the friends and family of Mr. Swieney," Governor Ernie Fletcher stated. "Coal mining is part of our heritage and our economy, but this accident underscores the fact that mining has many hazards. That’s why we are determined to keep working to improve mine safety."
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 3:51 PM 
