Fatal carbon monoxide poisoning after the detonation of explosives in an underground mine - A case report

An unusual death caused by carbon monoxide poisoning after the detonation o f explosives in an underground mine was investigated by the Office of the M edical Investigator of the State of New Mexico. The 50-year-old miner had 1 8 years of mining experience but no documented safety training. He collapse d approximately 20 minutes after entering the mine and working at the botto m of the single vertical shaft. The tight confines of the mine shaft hinder ed rescue personnel from reaching him, and the body was not recovered until 2 days later. The autopsy showed severe coronary artery atherosclerosis wi th remote and resolving myocardial microinfarcts, as well as the characteri stic pink lividity of carbon monoxide poisoning, which was confirmed by lab oratory analysis. Detailed investigation of the scene revealed no sources o f carbon monoxide other than the explosives. The case represents an uncommo n cause of death in mining that may have been avoided through the use of pr oper safety procedures, and illustrates the importance of recognizing the m any sources of carbon monoxide.