Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Mine accident occurs in Perry County

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 11, 2007) - A Perry County miner was injured today in a mining accident at the Blue Diamond Coal Co. No. 74 mine in Perry County.

Samuel H. Melton, 43, of Wooten, in Leslie County, was installing a ventilation curtain when a piece of draw rock fell from between roof bolts, striking him in the head.

The accident occurred at about 9:55 a.m. EST. Melton was removed from the mine by company personnel and airlifted to Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport, Tenn.

The accident has initially been classified as "serious" by the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing, which issued a closure order for purposes of an investigation.

It is the first mine accident reported in Kentucky in 2007.