Miner dies in Massey Mine accident

Source: CNBC

http://www.cnbc.com/id/37276610

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Massey Energy coal miner died Friday from injuries suffered more than a week earlier in an accident at one of the troubled company's West Virginia mines, government regulators said.

James Erwin, 55, was injured May 10 when he was pinned between a piece of heavy equipment and a block of coal at Massey's Ruby Energy underground mine in Mingo County. Erwin's condition was improving after his left leg was amputated, but he developed an infection Thursday and died at about 6 a.m. Friday, state and federal regulators said.

Erwin's death comes as Richmond, Va.-based Massey faces criminal and civil investigations into an explosion that killed 29 men April 5 at its Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia. The blast was the nation's deadliest coal mining disaster in 40 years.

At least 31 people have died at West Virginia coal mines this year, and 36 nationwide. Regulators haven't determined whether an unrelated death at a different West Virginia coal mine earlier this month will be classified as mining related.

Massey issued a statement offering condolences to Erwin's family.

"Massey will do everything it can in the weeks and months ahead to provide for James' loved ones," the company said.

Ruby Energy, where Erwin worked, was one of 57 problem mines raided during a surprise inspection blitz by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration after the Upper Big Branch explosion. MSHA selected mines for the raids in part based on the number of citations they'd received for health and safety regulations.

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Read more: http://www.cnbc.com/id/37276610

Very sad. Union mines are safer BTW.

K&R!