FRANKFORT, Ky. — An eastern Kentucky coal miner was killed while working at a surface mine in Bell County, state officials said Saturday.
Douglas Slusher died Friday after being struck in the chest when a coupling failed on a hydro gun he was operating at the Double Mountain Mining #3 “Strata” mine, the state Energy and Environment Cabinet said in a release. Slusher, 48, of Calvin, Kentucky, was given CPR but died on site.
“Our hearts go out to the miner, his family and co-workers for this tragic loss of life,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “We invite everyone in the commonwealth to join us in prayer today.”
Operations at the mine were shut down after the death and will be suspended while an investigation continues, state officials said. The state sent investigators to the mine.
“We will learn more about how this accident happened so that we can hopefully prevent another such loss of life,” said state Energy and Environment Secretary Rebecca Goodman.
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