ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL– The Mine Safety and Health Administration is confirming reports that a miner died due to a work-related accident at the Vulcan Materials Company quarry Wednesday.
The incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. in the 14000 block of Range Line Road.
According to the administration, the miner was using an excavator when the bank of a pond broke away, causing the excavator to become submerged in the water.
St. Lucie County Fire Rescue spokeswoman Brenda Stokes reported that crews arrived to the facility just after 1:00 p.m. due to a drowning incident but left the facility within a hour and without a patient.
Investigators remained on the scene throughout the day and Thursday to investigate the incident.
According to their website, Vulcan Materials is headquartered in Alabama and is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates, such as crushed stone, sand, and gravel.
The Company released a statement about the miner’s death on Thursday:
“There was an incident that occurred yesterday at our Fort Pierce facility. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends, family, and loved ones of our employees at this time. We are grateful for the efforts of first responders. Our team is on-site and will continue to work directly with the parties involved throughout their ongoing recovery efforts and investigation.”
Officials have not released any details about the victim, however, a friend told reporters that the victim was a 42-year-old father of two.