CHICAGO, IL – Hamilton County Coal, LLC has experienced two separate incidents resulting in one death and five people hospitalized at its facility in Dahlgren, Illinois.
Dahlgren is located about 90 minutes east of St. Louis, Missouri.
The first incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Saturday, when an underground roof collapsed, killing an employee who was installing supplemental roof support at Hamilton No. 1 Mine. Co-workers attempted to revive the employee while transporting him to the surface, but he was pronounced dead at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro shortly after.
Later that day, a fire broke out in a preparation plant at the Hamilton County Coal facility, causing significant damage to machinery and portions of the building’s upper floors. Five workers were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. It is believed that the fire was caused by construction work involving a torch.
An investigation is being conducted by both the company and state and federal agencies into both incidents. Hamilton County Coal, LLC General Manager of Operations Jay Emery expressed condolences to the deceased miner’s family and friends, stating that the company is providing support during this difficult time.
Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth expressed her condolences to the affected families and stated that her office is monitoring the situation.
