Federal mine safety regulators cite Virginia company in coal miner’s death

Feds cite Virginia company in coal miner’s death

RODA, Va. — Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration investigators have cited a Virginia coal company for five safety violations they say contributed to the death of a miner.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration concludes in a report Tuesday that Big Laurel Mining ignored dangers that led to the death of William Parrott last August in Wise County. A wall at the company’s underground mine No. 2 in Roda collapsed on the 58-year-old electrician.

MSHA says Big Laurel violated its roof control plan, didn’t fix problems after they were noticed and failed to document problems properly.

A spokeswoman says fines haven’t been assessed yet.

A company spokesman did not immediately return a telephone message.

Parrott was one of 34 miners killed nationwide in 2009.