Truck driver's death in Harlan County is Kentucky's 2nd coal mining fatality this year

Facebook LinkedIn Email A 25-year-old from Flat Lick was fatally injured at Cranks Creek Coal Mine this week. Benjamin Slusher, a 25-year-old from Flat Lick, was fatally injured Monday while operating a truck along the haul road at the Cranks Creek Coal Mine. His death is the second coal worker fatality recorded this year in Kentucky. Another mine worker was killed in Hazard in May, according to the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. MSHA and the Kentucky Division of Mine Safety are investigating Slusher’s death. Cranks Creek mine is owned by Nally & Hamilton Enterprises. Tony Oppegard, a Lexington attorney who represents miners, says less frequent fatalities and injuries in recent years doesn’t necessarily mean mine safety has improved. “There just aren't as many mines operating, and so accordingly, there's not as many miners working, and therefore there's not as many accidents and fatalities,” he said.

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