Eastern Kentucky coal miner killed in accident

An eastern Kentucky coal miner was killed in an accident Saturday morning in Leslie County.

A news release from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet says 52-year old Jerry Watts of Slemp, Kentucky was doing welding work on a liner of a dozer blade when a jack slipped allowing the liner to strike Watts in the head.

Watts was pronounced on the scene by the Leslie County coroner. The incident happened around 11:15am at the Begley Mine #1 at Short Creek. The mine is owned by T&T Energy, LLC.

Monday, Office of Mine Safety and Licensing investigators will interview other workers who were present when the accident occurred. Watts marked the first mining death of the year in Kentucky.
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01/27/2013/am