UtahAmerican Energy Inc. has confirmed that one miner was fatally injured Sept. 16 at the West Ridge Mine in Carbon County.
According to a press release from UtahAmerican Energy, the family has been notified and no other employees were injured.
The mining company identified the victim as Alejandro Ramirez, 46 of Price. Ramirez was a six-year employee of UtahAmerican Energy.
Although the accident is still under investigation, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), confirmed that the incident occurred at approximately 1:39 a.m. on the 23rd longwall at West Ridge Mine. According to MSHA, the victim was found inside the cab of his mobile diesel can-setter and apparently received crushing injuries. There were no witnesses.
MSHA spokesperson Jesse Lawder also confirmed that a mine fatality also occurred on Sept. 15 at the Manchester Mine in Alabama. “It is very rare for two fatalities to occur two days in a row,” Lawder explained. “MSHA is investigating both accidents.”
The Manchester Mine is not owned by Murray Energy Corporation, the company that owns UtahAmerican Energy Inc.
According to UtahAmerican Energy, West Ridge Mine of UtahAmerican has never incurred a serious accident in its entire 15-year history. The mining company also explained that their Lila Canyon Mine, a sister to West Ridge Mine, has never incurred any serious accidents in its nearly seven-year history.
In the press release, UtahAmerican Energy explained that their employees and management send sincere condolences and prayers to the Ramirez family.