Management blamed for death in coal mine

VINTONDALE, Pa. (AP) — Federal authorities blame poor communication for a fatal accident in an Indiana County coal mine.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration says management failed to ensure there was direct communication between section workers and contract surveyors Feb. 25 at the Nolo Mine in Buffington Township.

The agency says the mining crew and surveyors were not fully aware of each other’s activities.

Surveyor Bruce Edward Makin, of Ebensburg, died after being struck by a coal-hauling shuttle inside the mine operated by Amfire Mining Co. Makin was working for CME Engineering of Latrobe.