Man Buried Underneath Pile Of Coal

A man working at the McDuffie Coal Terminal on the Mobile River was killed Tuesday morning when he was buried in coal.

Witnesses told Mobile Fire-Rescue that 53-year-old Larry George slipped and fell head first into a pile of coal while a rail car above was dumping its load. George was buried underneath 100 feet of coal, most likely suffocating him. Co-workers uncovered before firefighters arrived.

Firefighters say George was having a heart attack. They started C.P.R. and transported him to Mobile Infirmary where he was later pronounced dead.

“We are all shaken by today’s tragic accident that claimed the life of a valued employee. Our prayers and condolences are with the George family and our workers,” said James K. Lyons, Director and CEO for the Port Authority.

In light of the incident and as a safety precaution, a stop work order was issued at McDuffie until 7:00 a.m. tomorrow.

The incident remains under investigation.