Fatal Indiana County Mine Accident Blamed on Communication

Federal authorities blame poor communication for a fatal accident in an Indiana County coal mine.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration said management failed to ensure there was direct communication between section workers and contract surveyors Feb. 25 at the Nolo Mine in Buffington Township. The agency said the mining crew and surveyors were not fully aware of each other’s activities.

Surveyor Bruce Edward Makin of Ebensburg died after being struck by a coal-hauling shuttle inside the mine operated by Amfire Mining Co. Makin was working for CME Engineering of Latrobe.

The federal agency said Amfire has taken corrective action.

Originally published by The Tribune-Review.

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