Published: January 10, 2022 |

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Authorities say a worker has died after a roof collapse at a southwestern Pennsylvania mine.

The state Department of Environmental Protection said a mine rescue safety team was dispatched after the collapse was reported Friday afternoon at Laurel Aggregates’ Lake Lynn Mine in Springhill Township, Fayette County.

Officials said they believe the person was working inside equipment when a portion of the mine roof fell. Crews from the company and the rescue team worked to remove loose rock to reach the equipment and move it under “a solid, supported area of the roof” so the victim could be extricated.

Department spokesperson Lauren Fraley said the victim, who was unresponsive, was removed just after 11 p.m. Friday by the mine rescue team and the Smithfield volunteer fire department. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene; a name hasn’t been released.

The department has ordered work halted and will investigate with the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The investigation will include securing the accident site, interviewing mine personnel, and conducting underground observations, Fraley said.

The department “will issue a preliminary action report with general findings and a final report with its full determination of the cause and potential corrective measures required of the mine operator to ensure that this type of situation does not happen again,” Fraley said.

Source: The Associated Press

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