On December 18, 2025, a miner lost his life in a powered haulage accident at an underground coal mine. He was an experienced worker who was filling in as a locomotive operator that day. While near a slope area, he was struck by a rubber-tired supply tractor and pinned against the mine rib. Despite emergency response efforts, the miner later died from his injuries.
Incidents like this are especially heartbreaking because they often happen during routine tasks. Familiar work can sometimes create a false sense of security, which is why consistent safety practices are just as important on “normal” days as they are during unusual operations.
Powered haulage equipment such as tractors, locomotives, and haul trucks plays a critical role in mining, but it also brings serious risks. Limited visibility, blind spots, sloped travelways, and close interaction between equipment and workers on foot can quickly turn into life-threatening situations when communication or spacing breaks down.
To reduce the risk of similar accidents, mining operations should continue to reinforce these key practices:
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Maintain clear radio and visual communication between equipment operators and ground personnel
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Separate travel paths for machines and walking areas whenever possible
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Use spotters or proximity warning systems in high-risk zones like slopes and tight entries
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Review haulage routes and hazards during daily safety meetings
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Require and enforce high-visibility clothing and proper lighting on equipment
Every fatality is more than a report. It represents a person who went to work and did not come home. Sharing these lessons is not about assigning blame, but about reminding everyone in the industry that safety depends on constant awareness, strong procedures, and looking out for one another, especially around moving equipment.
