U.S. Agency Blames Cement Company For Fatal Mine Accident
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration says the management of a cement company is to blame for a fatal accident at the facility in Hagerstown.
Officials said in a report released Wednesday that the Jan. 27 accident that killed Herman L. Weaver, 69, at Security Quarry occurred because of management's failure to install berms on a road near a stream bed.
Security Quarry is owned by Holcim Inc.
MSHA said that Weaver was using a loader when he backed into a stream bed. When Weaver tried to get the loader out, it traveled 150 feet in reverse, went into a water hole and overturned. Weaver, who was trapped, drowned.
William K. Doran, a lawyer who represents Holcim, said the company would not comment until it had reviewed the report.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
