Jeremy Perkins, a 32-year-old miner from Kentucky, died when the roof of the Kopper Glo mine caved in. The incident occurred on Wednesday, Sept. 26.
According to the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office, Perkins was digging in the mine with several coworkers around 5:30 am when the mine caved in. His coworkers were able to remove him from the accident site, and he was transported to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries. Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bob Morelock said that the mining industry is well-regulated, and he does not suspect foul play.
“I was told somewhere in neighborhood of four or five fatalities have occurred in the last 10 years and half involved working on equipment outside mines,” Morelock said. “Even though it is a dangerous occupation, it is not often we see a fatal accident.”
Kopper Glo is a coal mining facility. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the coal mining industry has most fatalities than any other mining industry. Between 2009 and 2011, 87 people died in coal mining accidents. In the same years, 55 miners died in all other mining industries combined.
A representative from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development said that they did not send any assistance because mine workers said they could rescue Perkins on their own.
Our prayers go out to the victim’s friends and family in this difficult time. If you lost a loved one in a mining or workplace accident, we would like to hear from you. Call us at (615) 866-3938, or visit our website to learn more about wrongful death. Use our free consultations to learn about your rights and options.
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