Local

1 person killed in mine collapse in Fayette County

SPRINGHILL TWP, Pa. — One person is dead following a reported mine collapse in Fayette County.

According to 911 officials, the call came in just after 3 p.m. Friday for a report of a mine collapse.

This happened along Springhill Furnace Road in Springhill Township.

According to sources, this was the Laurel Underground Limestone Mine, and initial reports said one man was trapped in the mine.

Arcosa is a construction engineering company that owns the Lake Lynn mine. Their spokesperson, Jeff Eller, released the following statement around 9:30 a.m. Saturday:

“We are deeply saddened to confirm a fatality has occurred as a result of an accident at the Laurel Aggregates mine. We extend our deepest sympathies to the employee’s family and friends. Arcosa is cooperating with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) along with local authorities to investigate the cause of this accident.”

Channel 11 spoke to a man who previously worked at the mine and is friends with the man who is trapped. He says heavy machinery is driven in and out of the mountainside, and that the roof collapsed approximately 400 feet into the mine, trapping his friend.

Chopper 11 flew over the scene and saw several emergency and rescue vehicles.

Stay with Channel 11 as we continue to monitor this developing story.