The United States Department of Labor has confirmed the death of a 42-year-old man in a conveyor belt incident at a Kentucky coal mine.
Ray Hatfield Jr., a conveyor belt operator, received fatal injuries when he became entangled in a moving belt drive roller on January 26 at around 11.15am, the Department’s Mine Safety and Health Administration said this month.
The MSHA report says the victim was near the belt drive when he came in contact with the roller.
There were no witnesses to what has been ruled an accident.
The man was working at the R&C Coal mine in Pike County, Kentucky.
According to the incident report, he had 23 years’ experience in the industry.
The state’s Energy and Environment Cabinet said the mine had been shut down during the incident investigation, with investigators from the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources on the scene.
Governor Matt Bevin offered his deepest sympathies to the man’s family and friends.
“I’m asking all Kentuckians who understand and appreciate the power of prayer to please join with me in praying for the family, friends and co-workers of the Pikeville coal miner who tragically lost his life on the job yesterday,” Bevin said after the incident.
“United we stand, divided we fall. We are Kentucky.”