MARCH 16, 2015
MCCLURE, VIRGINIA (AP)
Alpha Natural Resources Inc. says a worker at one of its
affiliate mines in southwest Virginia has died after being struck by falling
rock.
According to the Bristol, Virginia-based company, the
incident occurred Monday morning at Deep Mine 41 near McClure. The mine is run
by Paramont Coal Co.
Officials say 34-year-old David Brummitte of Pound was found
around 5:10 a.m. Monday. He was pronounced dead at about 7:45 a.m. after being
transported to the Dickenson Community Hospital in Clintwood.
Brummitte was a certified workplace examiner. He had worked there for two years.
The company says preliminary information suggests that
Brummitte was conducting a pre-shift exam when he was "struck by rock
sloughing off the mine wall." He
must have been probing that lose rock to save his fellow co-worker’s life and
instead he lost his. RIP.
Authorities are working to secure the area in order to
complete the investigation.
Paramont Coal Company President Mike
Clark said, "Our hearts go out to Mr. Brummitte's
family and friends. There does not appear to have been any eyewitnesses
at the scene. We are working diligently with state and federal agencies
to confirm the circumstances of the accident."
Paramont Coal Company representatives and state and
federal investigators are currently securing the area to complete the accident
investigation.
About Alpha Natural Resources
Alpha Natural Resources is one of the largest and most
regionally diversified coal suppliers in the
United States. With affiliate mining operations in Virginia,
West Virginia,
Kentucky,
Pennsylvania
and Wyoming,
Alpha supplies metallurgical coal to the steel industry and thermal coal to
generate power to customers on five continents.
Consistent with its Running
Right process, Alpha is committed to being a leader in mine safety and an
environmental steward in the communities where its affiliates operate. For more
information, visit Alpha's website (www.alphanr.com).
SOURCE Alpha Natural Resources