FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A federal report said that failure to control parts of a Kentucky coal mine led to the death of a miner crushed by a 2,000-pound piece of rock and coal.
A U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration reported that 48-year-old Felix "Matt" North received serious lower body injuries May 22 when the slab fell and pinned him to the floor of Rex Coal Co. mine at Cumberland. He died May 30 at a hospital.
North had 12 years of experience.
Officials said that North was operating a machine when a rib wall collapsed. The report said the mine operator "did not effectively control" ribs and pillar corners of the mine.
Miners have been trained on a revised roof control plan.
