CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Federal investigators have cited a
Magnum Coal Co. subsidiary for a safety violation they say
contributed to a fatal accident at a prep plant.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration says Weatherby
Processing was cited because employee Larry W. Bird was not wearing a safety harness when he fell from the third floor of a Kanawha County prep plant to the ground on Nov. 4. The 42-year-old died Jan. 2.

The MSHA accident report released Monday says Bird was trying to
retrieve a wrench he'd dropped on a ledge when he crossed a
handrail without protection and fell.

A Magnum official did not immediately respond to a request for
comment Tuesday.

Magnum is in the process of being acquired by St. Louis-based
Patriot Coal in a $709 million deal.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)