BUNKER, MO (KTVI)- One man is dead following a mine accident in southern Missouri. Doe Run Company officials say the man was killed Wednesday night at the Fletcher Mine near Bunker, Missouri. The mine is roughly 130 miles southeast of St. Louis. The worker was reportedly removing loose rock when some loose material fell and struck the cab of his equipment.
A release from the Doe Run company states, “We are deeply saddened to report that last night one of our Doe Run employees, John Hoodenpyle Sr., lost his life in an accident at our Fletcher Mine near Bunker, Missouri. Mr. Hoodenpyle was performing a standard safety practice of scaling the mine roof (checking for and removing loose rock from a working mine area) when some loose material fell and struck the cab of his equipment, fatally injuring him. No other employees were injured, and all other employees working at our Fletcher Mine have been brought above ground. We immediately notified emergency rescue personnel and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Once on site, MSHA and our mine rescue team secured the area of the mine where the incident occurred. MSHA will lead the investigation into the accident, and our underground operations at the Fletcher Mine will remain suspended until MSHA approves a return to work. We are working with all appropriate authorities on an investigation of the accident. This is a sad day for all Doe Run employees. Safety of our employees is a top priority, and our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Hoodenpyle’s family, friends and community. We have lost a valued co-worker and friend who will be greatly missed.”
