According to the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), a miner aged 52 tragically passed away on Monday in a mine located in western Jefferson County.
Tragedy struck on Monday night at the Oak Grove Resources Mine when Jose Lara, a devoted husband and father of three, lost his life in a tragic accident.
The family is in the thoughts and prayers of every UMWA member, according to Union President Cecil E. Roberts.
According to the union, Lara’s death marks the first coal mine fatality in Alabama this year and the ninth nationally in 2024.
The mine and plant have been forced to shut down operations following the incident. A thorough investigation into the cause of the accident is currently underway, and as a result, all activities will remain suspended until further notice.
In a statement, Roberts expressed his profound sadness over the loss of Brother Lara and emphasized the commitment to investigate his death thoroughly. The objective is to gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident in order to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
