Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Roof fall claims the life of a Perry County miner

FRANKFORT, Ky. (February 16, 2006) – A Perry County miner was fatally injured today in a roof fall accident. The accident occurred at Perry County Coal Corporation’s HZ4-1.

Timothy Wayne Caudill, 33, of Viper, Kentucky, was assisting a scoop operator in removing a permanent stopping when a piece of roof fell on him, causing the fatal injuries. A permanent stopping is a fire-resistant barrier used to direct and control the ventilation current in an underground mine. The stopping is usually constructed of concrete blocks and mortar.

“The First Lady and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Caudill family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” Governor Ernie Fletcher said.  “In the next few days, we will be introducing along with Rep. Robin Webb and Sen. Robert Stivers comprehensive mine safety legislation.  I want to assure Kentucky’s coal mine workers and their families that we will be diligent in our pursuit of making this state’s coal mines the safest in the nation.”

The accident occurred approximately 8:30 a.m. Caudill was removed from the mine by company personnel and taken to Hazard Appalachian Regional Hospital. Caudill was pronounced dead at 10 a.m.

The Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing (OMSL) has issued a closure order to conduct an investigation of the accident.  OMSL and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration will conduct a joint investigation.

This was Kentucky’s third fatal mining accident in 2006. Cornelius Yates was killed in a roof fall accident in Pike County on January 10; James Thornsbury was killed in a haulage accident in Pike County on January 23.