CHARLESTON —
West Virginia regulators on Friday identified a coal miner who was killed in Raleigh County.
Edward L. Finney, 43, of Bluefield, Va., died of injuries from an accident Thursday night at Pocahontas Coal Co.’s Affinity Mine, Department of Commerce spokeswoman Leslie Fitzwater said.
The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration said the miner was pushing a scoop bucket insert full of trash onto a hoist when the hoist moved unexpectedly. The preliminary investigation suggests the hoist picked up the scoop and trapped the victim underneath.
In March 2012, MSHA listed the Affinity mine among three that had been caught giving illegal, advance warning that inspectors were onsite the month before.
MSHA chief Joe Main has repeatedly said that such warnings let workers hide conditions that could endanger their lives and the lives of others. Main has pushed for higher penalties and fines to deter the practice, but Congress has yet to act.
This is the second equipment-related death in West Virginia this week.
On Wednesday, 34-year-old Brandon Townsend of Delbarton died when a hydraulic jack exploded on a belt press at Midland Trail Energy’s Blue Creek preparation plant. Another worker was injured.
Midland Trail is owned by Patriot Coal.
Investigations into both accidents are under way.
Today's Front Page
Worker crushed to death at Raleigh County mine
- Today's Front Page
-
-
Veterans get warm welcome in Rainelle
Roaring into town on motorcycles of all descriptions, veterans participating in the annual Run for the Wall received a warm welcome in Rainelle.
-
Turnpike officials expect major traffic issues for Jamboree and FOC Auto Fair
For a week or so, the Beckley area just might resemble the bumper-to-bumper crawl of traffic in a major metropolis and the West Virginia Turnpike is taking steps now in an effort to keep travelers moving in and out of the Boy Scouts complex for a Jamboree in July.
-
Cold front to bring nippy conditions
The calendar says it’s nearly time for the unofficial start of summer, but late tonight and early Saturday, the area could break record low temperatures.
-
Independence senior quiet, artistic, humorous
Independence High School graduating senior Rebecca “Becky” Smith, from the outskirts of Slab Fork, is the type of student who doesn’t cause waves.
- Turnpike officials expecting major traffic issues during Jamboree, Auto Fair
-
Familiar flooding
-
Governor names Bowling state DHHR secretary
Former hospital executive and nurse Karen Bowling will become West Virginia’s Health and Human Resources secretary on July 1, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said Wednesday, taking over a sprawling department recently scrutinized by an audit and assigned the daunting task of expanding the state’s Medicaid program.
-
Health care professional no stranger to southern W.Va.
The new secretary of West Virginia’s Department of Health and Human Resources is certainly no stranger to southern West Virginia. In fact, she has grown up and served the region for a number of years in various capacities across the broad spectrum of the health care industry.
-
There are some bright spots in ongoing Fayette County school facility projects
When an architect calls for $136 million in repairs to get school facilities back into shape — as one recently did in Fayette County — it’s easy to get discouraged. But it’s important to remember that progress is still happening, says the county’s director of operations.
-
Health care professional no stranger to southern W.Va.
The new director of West Virginia’s Department of Health and Human Resources is certainly no stranger to southern West Virginia. In fact, she has grown up and served the region for a number of years in various capacities across the broad spectrum of the health care industry.
- More Today's Front Page Headlines
-
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
