Officials say Bessemer man died in mining accident

Associated Press
Published: May 24, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) _ Officials have identified a coal miner who died in a fatal accident at the Oak Grove Mine. 64-year-old Lee Edward Graham of Bessemer, a 30-year employee at the underground facility, was fatally injured on Thursday.

Jim Kosowski, the district manager of public affairs for Cliffs North American Coal, said in a statement that Graham was fatally injured while he inspected the derailment of a rail car used to haul equipment. He said operations at the mine, located about 20 miles west of Birmingham, will be suspended until at least Tuesday.

Several agencies, including the Mine Safety and Health Administration, are conducting investigations.