Coroner IDs victim of fatal mining accident in Somerset County

THE LATEST |

Somerset Co., PA (WJAC) — Somerset County coroner Cullen Swank has identified the victim of Monday's fatal mining accident in Conemaugh Township.

Swank says 37-year-old Brandon Frederick, of Johnstown, was killed after he became trapped between a shuttle car and a mine rib.

Authorities say Frederick suffered multiple blunt force and crushing injuries to his torso.

The coroner's office has ruled his death as accidental.

2nd UPDATE |

Officials with the Department of Environmental Protection say they have ordered the operators of the Maple Springs Mine in Conemaugh Township, Somerset County to temporarily cease operations following Monday's workplace fatality.

According to a statement released to 6 News, the DEP was contacted to investigate Monday's accident that left one employee dead after the man became trapped underground.

Officials say the order requires LCT Energy to cease all mining operations in the area around where the accident took place.

As Pennsylvania’s safety regulator for underground mines, DEP is investigating the cause of the incident and whether corrective actions need to be taken by the operator to ensure that this type of event does not happen again and if mining can safely resume. Thorough investigations of this nature take time and require information gathering, inspections, and may include coordination with other agencies. DEP inspectors are interviewing mine personnel and beginning the underground portion of their investigation.

DEP authorities say the order may be revised depending on the outcome of the investigation.

UPDATE |

Officials are releasing new details about what led to Monday's fatal mining accident in Conemaugh Township, Somerset County.

According to a statement from LCT Energy, the company who operates the Maple Springs Mine, a male employee was killed after being trapped between a shuttle car and a mine rib.

Investigators say the other workers were able to transport the employee out of the mine where he could then be transferred to an ambulance.

The entire LCT family is deeply saddened by this terrible accident and our thoughts and prayers are with the family members and friends most affected by the tragedy.

Officials say his identity is being withheld at this time.

LCT officials say they are working with the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Mine Safety to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.

Somerset County coroner Cullen Swank is expected to conduct an autopsy later Tuesday.

ORIGINAL |

Somerset County coroner Cullen Swank has confirmed to 6 News that he was called to a fatal mining accident earlier Monday in Conemaugh Township.

Details are limited at this time but authorities say they were called to the 1200 block of Penn Ave., in Hollsopple, around 11 a.m.

According to a report from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the incident reportedly occurred at the Maple Springs Mine, which is controlled by JAZ Ventures LP.

The coroner's office says an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday and more information is expected to be released at a later time.

In March of 2022, a man died from his injuries following an accident at that same mine where he was struck and pinned by a falling piece of rock.

Stay with us online and on-air for further updates to this developing story.

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