By Associated Press
INEZ, Ky. – A coal miner has been killed in an eastern Kentucky work accident.
A statement Tuesday from the Energy and Environment Cabinet said 26-year-old Ryan K. Thatcher of Salyersville died Monday night when he suffered head injuries at Voyager No. 7 mine near Inez in Martin County.
The mine, which is owned by Martin County Coal Corp., will remain closed while the accident is investigated.
The Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing said investigators on Tuesday would begin interviewing others who were working in the mine when the accident occurred.
The death is the third mining fatality in Kentucky this year.
David Partin of Pineville died in an accident at a Harlan County mine in June. In March, Robert L. Cook of Inez died at mine in Martin County.