CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration says a Lincoln County miner who was killed because of an accident died as a result of a rock that fell between roof bolts.
Dennis Fillinger, 62, of Harts, was seriously injured during a rock fall accident Feb. 23 at the CK Mine No. 5 near Williamson in Mingo County.
Fillinger, a section foreman for CK Coal Corporation, died last week as a result of the injuries.
“The rock fell from between roof bolts and was approximately 3 feet by 2 feet by 3 to 4 inches thick,” according to a release from MSHA.
“First-aid was administered and the injured miner was transported to a medical center. Due to medical complications from the injuries he sustained, the victim died on April 6, 2017.”
This is the fifth fatality reported in 2017 in the coal mining industry and it is classified as fall of roof, according to MSHA. As of this date in 2016, three fatalities were reported, with none in the roof fall classification.