Alpha Blamed for West Virginia Miner’s Death

Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration investigators blame an Alpha Natural Resources subsidiary for a roof collapse that killed a West Virginia miner last October.

Investigators conclude in a report that Kingston Mining Inc.’s failure to follow the roof control plan at the Kingston No. 1 mine resulted in the death of miner William Dooley of Oak Hill on Oct. 11.

The report says the 56-year-old miner was struck by a piece of rock measuring nearly 3 feet wide and more than 5 feet long.

Investigators said bolts used to support the mine roof were too far apart and the company continued mining after encountering crumbling roof conditions at the Fayette County mine.

Abingdon, Va.-based Alpha had no immediate comment.