A Pennsylvania coal miner has died following a tragic underground accident Tuesday night at the Bailey Mine in Aleppo Township.
Authorities confirmed that 34-year-old Zachary Wolfe of Rices Landing was killed after being struck by falling rock while working underground. According to the Greene County Coroner’s Office, Wolfe was pronounced dead at 11:39 p.m. following the 11 p.m. incident.
Pennsylvania State Police said troopers were called to the Crabapple Portal of the mine around 11:21 p.m. after reports of a serious underground accident. Officials stated the incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine exactly what led to the collapse.
Emergency officials also reported that at least one other worker was injured and airlifted from the scene after suffering a head injury, according to Greene County Emergency Management Agency Director Richard Policz.
Mine owner Core Natural Resources, based in Canonsburg, said it is cooperating with state and federal investigators as they examine the cause of the accident. In a statement, the company expressed deep sorrow over the loss, saying, “We are deeply saddened to confirm that we lost a member of our Core family during an incident underground at our Bailey mine. Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathies are with the individual’s family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”
As the investigation continues, the tight-knit mining community is left mourning the loss of a worker remembered as part of the Core family and taken far too soon in a tragic workplace accident.
