METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On June 5, 1996, a crusher operator with 24 years of mining experience died from injuries he received in an accident on April 10, 1996, at a sand and gravel operation. The victim was welding on a diesel fuel tank which contained approximately 200 gallons of fuel. The tank exploded and inflicted 2nd and 3rd degree burns to 87 percent of the victim's body. This is the 24th fatality reported in calendar year 1996 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of June 5, 1995, there were 20 fatalities reported in these industries. This death is the first fatality classified as ignition/explosion of gas this year. There were no ignition/explosion of gas fatalities during the same period in 1995.

For more information: MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL96M24]