Falling Tree Kills Virginia Man Near Kentucky Coal Mine
A man was killed Tuesday when a tree fell on his truck near a coal mine in Kentucky.
According to a release from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, 32-year-old Cecil Collett of Dryden in Lee County, VA, was returning to work at the mine when the tree fell. Collett was a surface miner/blaster working at the site.
The approximately 2-foot-diameter tree fell from “the high wall above the roadway,” and hit his pickup truck as he drove past.
Emergency services transported Collett to the hospital. Doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.
Joshua Pendleton, 45, was a passenger in the truck. Pendleton’s injuries were treated at the same hospital. He suffered a broken hip and pelvis.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said in a press release after the incident, “This miner’s unfortunate death is another reminder of the special dangers that these miners face daily. Please join me in expressing my deep condolences to his family, friends and community.”
Kentucky Energy and Environment Secretary Rebecca Goodman also expressed her condolences. “Our sympathy goes out to Mr. Collett’s family for his loss. We will look carefully at what happened, and how it could have been prevented.”
The mine ceased operations following the incident and remain closed for the day for the investigation.
Coal Mines Pose Threat to Workers
It’s no secret that mining is a dangerous profession. Many of the risks are inherent in the job, but others are often the result of oversights. Mining companies, equipment manufacturers, and other key players all have a duty to protect workers and minimize dangers.
When they fail to do so, people get hurt. Some of the most common mining accidents include:
- Equipment accidents
- Roof collapse
- Fires and explosions
- Longwall accidents
- Safety violations
If you or a loved one has been injured in a mining accident, you might be entitled to financial compensation.
To ensure your claim is filed correctly and quickly, you need an experienced legal team on your side. At Heavens Law, we understand the complexities of mining accident cases. We’ve worked with injured miners and their families and we will do our best to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your mining injuries.
