Declan Boland Killed in East Quogue Mining Accident
A Riverhead man was killed in a mining accident Friday at East Coast Mines in East Quogue, according to Southampton Town police.
Police said they responded to a 911 call at 1:10 p.m. that reported a person was trapped in a collapsed trench at 41 Lewis Road. In addition to town police, the Suffolk County sheriff’s K-9 unit, East Quogue Fire Department & Ambulance, Westhampton Ambulance and Hampton Bays Fire Department also headed to the scene.
The victim, 50-year-old Declan Boland, became trapped when workers were trying to put out a mulch fire on a hill, police said. Boland was standing on the hill when it collapsed, burying him in mulch and dirt, according to authorities. Police and workers dug Boland out and he was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, where he was pronounced dead.
Police detectives are investigating the accident in conjunction with the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. Police ask anyone with information to call 631-702-2230.