6 workers hurt in East Texas coal mine accident, victims treated for burns from 'hot debris'

Six workers at an East Texas coal mine have suffered burns from falling debris.

Mine owner Luminant (LOO'-mihn-ant) says the accident happened Wednesday in Thermo, about 80 miles northeast of Dallas.

Hopkins County Fire Department Chief Kevin Yates says hot ash and burning embers fell on the workers.

A Luminant statement says the employees were near an out-of-service lignite storage silo where they unexpectedly came in contact with "hot debris." Luminant didn't elaborate.

Luminant says the workers sustained burns to their hands and legs, were treated at the scene and transferred to a hospital in Sulphur Springs. One employee was treated and released. The other five were transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas.

Luminant officials didn't immediately return messages Thursday.

The incident has been reported to federal safety officials.