A coal miner has died in the Halemba-Wirek colliery in Ruda Slaska, southern Poland, the State Mining Authority has informed.

The accident occurred on Monday some 711 metres beneath ground level. While the miner, who was employed to lay and detonate explosive, was drilling a shot hole when a lump of rock came off the wall and crushed him. Medical staff tried to resuscitation the man but to no avail.

The incident will be subject of an investigation by the State Mining Authority.

This is the fourth fatality in Polish coal mines this year. Twenty four people died in 2008. (jm/pg)