West Virginia Cites Patriot Coal Subsidiary for Mine Death

June 28, 2013

A Patriot Coal subsidiary has been cited by state regulators for a roof fall that killed a miner in Boone County.

A report by the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training says an unsafe procedure was used to install wall-control bolts at Newton Energy’s Peerless Rachel Mine near Racine.

The report says it was common for workers installing bolts at the mine to walk under unsupported roof.

Sixty-three-year-old Asa Fitzpatrick of Kermit was killed on March 13 when rock fell on him as he prepared to install wall-control bolts.

The Charleston Gazette says the state agency released the report Tuesday during a meeting of the West Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety in Sutton.

Patriot Coal officials declined to comment on the report.