Federal and state officials say an eastern Kentucky coal truck driver was killed at Blue Ridge surface mine in Letcher County. The mine is operated by the Cumberland River Coal Company, a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Arch Coal.

Roy D. Sturgill, 29, of Isom died around 12:45 a.m. after his truck backed over a dumping point and continued to go down the slope, said Kentucky Natural Resources Commissioner Susan Bush.

Sturgill was employed by Bates Contracting in Whitesburg.

Arch spokeswoman Kim Link said she had no further details.

“We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Sturgill’s family, friends and co-workers,” Link said.

Calls to Bates Contracting were met with a busy signal.

Bush said state inspectors in 2007 cited the mine for 24 safety violations and issued 19 orders banning the use of specific pieces of equipment, mainly vehicles.

complete to read this news in : Kentucky Has First Mining Death Of ‘08

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