Report: Kentucky Coal Miner Crushed by 2,000-Pound Rock

A federal report says failure to control parts of a Kentucky coal mine led to the death of a miner crushed by a 2,000-pound piece of rock and coal.

A U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration report says 48-year-old Felix “Matt” North received serious lower body injuries May 22 when the slab fell and pinned him to the floor of Rex Coal Co. mine at Cumberland. He died May 30 at a hospital.

North had 12 years of experience. The Lexington Herald-Leader reports North was engaged to be married.

Officials say the North was operating a machine when a rib wall collapsed. The report says the mine operator “did not effectively control” ribs and pillar corners of the mine.

Miners have been trained on a revised roof control plan.