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.
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