Accidental deaths decline in U.S.

Preliminary government statistics show that the number of deaths in mining-related accidents last year declined in the U.S. to 98, an all-time low, from 114 in 1991, says the American Mining Congress. The previous historic low was 102 in 1988.

Last year 43 died accidentally at metal and nonmetal mines while 55 lost their lives at coal mines.

The figures were released by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.