New report details fatal Warrior Met mining accident

Federal mine safety investigators say a 23-year-old Alabama miner died after a longwall shield hydraulically collapsed on him while he was performing maintenance at an underground coal mine in Tuscaloosa County. The Mine Safety and Health Administration released a preliminary report and fatality alert this week detailing the July 1 accident that claimed the life of Justin Calloway of Cordova. The report identifies the incident as a machinery-related fatality at Warrior Met Coal's Blue Creek Mine No. 1 near Brookwood. According to the preliminary report, the accident happened around 6:10 p.m. while Calloway, an electrician, was working during retreat mining operations underground. Investigators said "a miner died after a longwall shield collapsed onto him." The report notes the findings are preliminary and do not represent final conclusions about the cause of the accident. MSHA's fatality alert provides additional detail, stating the longwall shield "hydraulically collapsed on him while performing maintenance on the shield." The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office previously said Calloway was found unresponsive underground around 6 p.m. He was brought to the surface but did not survive. Authorities initially described the incident as an apparent machinery accident. The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit investigated the death, as is standard protocol for deaths in the county, and said there was no indication of foul play. MSHA records show Calloway had about two years and eight months of total mining experience and had worked at Blue Creek Mine No. 1 for just over nine months. The mine employed 273 people, including 254 underground workers. Following the fatality, MSHA reminded mine operators and workers to block longwall shields against hazardous motion before performing maintenance, be aware of pinch points around hydraulic components, properly train miners who install or maintain shields, and maintain clear communication while work is underway. MSHA said the July 1 death was the 15th mining fatality reported nationwide in 2026 and the fifth classified as a machinery-related death. The agency's investigation remains ongoing.