ALEPPO TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 34-year-old coal miner was killed in a tragic underground accident late Tuesday night at the Bailey Mine in Greene County.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, Zachary Wolfe was working about 700 feet underground at the Aleppo Portal, a newer section of the mine, installing roof supports when approximately 1,000 pounds of coal suddenly fell.
Two other miners were also injured. One man suffered a head injury and was flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital. A woman with an arm injury was transported there by ambulance.
Friends and loved ones remembered Wolfe on social media as a kind man with a huge heart to match his big smile. Tributes poured in online throughout the day, including an image of a cross beside a miner’s helmet and belt with the message: “You gave your all beneath the earth. Your memory shines forever above.”
In nearby communities, residents said news of the accident spread quickly. Natasha Burns, who works at a local gas station, said nearly everyone who came through the doors Wednesday was talking about the tragedy.
“It’s rare to hear about something like this anymore,” Burns said, adding that the accident is a reminder of how dangerous coal mining can still be despite strong safety measures.
The Bailey Mining Complex is considered one of the largest underground coal mining operations in the world. It is now operated by Core Natural Resources following the merger of CONSOL Energy and Arch Resources.
In a statement to Channel 11, Core Natural Resources said:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that we lost a member of our Core family during an incident underground at our Bailey mine. We are working with state and federal officials to investigate the cause of the accident.
“Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathies are with the individual’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Greene County Coroner told Channel 11 that this is the first accidental mining fatality at the Bailey Mine since he took office 12 years ago.
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