Crews searching for bulldozer operator who fell into coal pile Thursday night

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCBD) – A search is underway Friday morning for a bulldozer operator who fell into a coal pile at a Santee Cooper facility in Georgetown.

The incident happened late Thursday night at Santee Cooper’s Winyah Generating Station off Steam Plant Drive, according to Nicole Aiello, communications manager for the utility company.

Aiello said an accident resulted in a bulldozer and its operating falling into an area of the coal pile.

“Search efforts began immediately and remain underway this morning. This is a difficult situation, and our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved and to their families. The operator works for a contractor that Santee Cooper has used for years,” Aiello said in a statement to News 2. “We will be conducting a thorough investigation.”

Georgetown County emergency management officials said Thursday that crews were working on scene with a bulldozer buried under a coal mound and that there were reports of an operator being in the equipment.

Rescue crews from Georgetown County Fire & EMS, Midway Fire Rescue, Georgetown City Fire Department, Georgetown County’s Technical Rescue Team, and Georgetown County Emergency Management responded.

Count on 2 for updates.