Report reveals cause of deadly mining accident in Taylor County

GRAFTON, W.Va (WDTV/WTAP) – November 1, 2024: The cause of death of a coal miner in West Virginia has been announced.

U.S. Department of Workforce Mine Safety and Health Administration published a report About a fatal mining accident in Taylor County.

Colton Walls, 34, was injured when the hook and strap assembly broke while he was attached to two longwall shields on Sept. 28, according to the report. Walls had 14 years of mining experience.

The report stated that he died from his injuries on October 5.

According to the report, this is the 24th mining accident reported in 2024 and the third classified as “Machineries”.

ORIGINAL: A Bruceton Mills man died Friday afternoon after suffering injuries while working at a Taylor County coal mine, according to Gov. Jim Justice.

Colton Walls, 34, was working as a longwall electrician at Arch Coal, Leer Mining Complex, when he was injured.

Walls is survived by his wife, Jonda, and three children.

The West Virginia Office of Miner Health, Safety and Training and the Mine Safety and Health Administration are at the mine site and will conduct an investigation, Justice said.

“Our miners are the backbone of West Virginia, and every loss we experience hits us to the core,” Justice said. “The heart and soul of West Virginia is in our coal miners, and today we grieve the loss of one of our own. I have been told that Mr. Walls was truly dedicated, hard-working and brave, and I know he will be greatly missed by many. It’s moments like these that remind us of the incredible sacrifices made by those who had the courage to become miners. So please hold his family and loved ones close to your hearts tonight. “Cathy and I will continue to keep him and all our other miners in our prayers.”

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