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W.Va. man dies in Pennsylvania coal mine

MOUNT MORRIS, Pa. — The investigation into what was behind a fatal accident at a Pennsylvania mine that claimed the life of a West Virginia miner is still in the preliminary stages. Investigators with the federal Mine, Safety and Health Administration were on site Monday at Mepco’s 4 West Mine in Greene County, Pa.

John William “Bill” Kelly, 55, of Albright was killed in the accident Sunday around 12:15 a.m.

“These tragedies, especially here in Preston County, are reminders that every time those souls go into the hillside there are wives and mothers praying for them to come back out every single day,” expressed Preston County Commission President Craig Jennings.

MSHA’s preliminary data indicates Kelly was in the process of closing airlock doors when the complete structure fell on him. The airlock system is generally a system of doors that allows the passage of miners through it without permitting ventilated air to leak out.

The company is fully cooperating in the investigation into the circumstances that led to this accident. Operations at the mine have been suspended,” Mepco said in a release. “We at the company are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague. During this very difficult time, we extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Bill’s family, to all our employees, and to all who knew Bill.”

“At the end of the day it is just a sad, sad situation that we all know can happen but when it hits you’re never ready for it,” said Jennings.

MSHA records, which date back to 2004, show no fatalities at the mine prior to Kelly’s death.





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