KENTUCKY — A 25-year-old miner was killed Wednesday morning in an accident at the Combs Branch Mine in Perry County, according to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.
The incident happened around 10:10 a.m. at the mine, which is owned by Pine Branch Mining, LLC of Hazard.
Officials said Preston Pollard, of Perry County, was performing maintenance work on equipment when the accident occurred. Pollard was identified as a certified surface miner.
“I hope all of Kentucky will join Britainy and me as we pray for Preston’s family during this difficult time,” Beshear said in a statement. “This accident is a tough reminder of the dangers our miners, both surface and underground, face every day.”
All mining operations at the site were shut down following the incident and will remain suspended while the investigation continues.
The Kentucky Department for Natural Resources, Division of Mine Safety, sent investigators to the mine Wednesday morning.
