Current:Home > FinanceOfficials identify two workers — one killed, one still missing — after Kentucky coal plant collapse -EverVision Finance
Officials identify two workers — one killed, one still missing — after Kentucky coal plant collapse
View
Date:2025-04-16 10:17:51
Officials have released the names of two workers trapped when a coal mine preparation plant collapsed earlier this week in eastern Kentucky.
Martin County Judge Executive Lon Lafferty identified the men as Billy Ray Daniels and Alvin Nees, news outlets report. Daniels died amid rescue efforts at the scene and Nees is believed to be trapped beneath the rubble. The men from neighboring Pike County were doing contracting work as part of the building’s demolition.
Lafferty said Thursday that the search for Nees is still a rescue operation.
Crews have begun removing layers of rubble and debris at the Martin Mine Prep Plant in Martin County where an 11-story abandoned building crashed down Tuesday night while undergoing work toward its demolition. Officials briefly made contact with Daniels, but announced Wednesday he died amid rescue efforts. Authorities said Thursday they have not had any communication with the second worker since the building collapsed at around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Inez, a town of about 500 people.
“We haven’t given up hope,” Lafferty said at a news conference with reporters Thursday.
Lafferty said a family member of the deceased man was at the site before he died and was able to speak with him. Crews have located his remains, but have not yet been able to remove them.
Crews delved under layers of steel and concrete with search dogs and listening devices Wednesday and Thursday, a line of emergency vehicles surrounding the wreckage of the once 11-story building, now flattened onto itself. In the second full day of rescue efforts, officials are removing the debris into smaller piles for the search, Lafferty said.
Several state agencies have begun investigations into the collapse and possible causes, including Kentucky state police.
The Kentucky Division of Occupational Safety and Health Compliance said one of its officers was on site and that an inspection had been opened with Lexington Coal Company LLC, which had contracted with Skeens Enterprises LLC for site demolition and salvage operations. The division said the investigation could take up to six months to complete.
veryGood! (88483)
Related
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- 'It was just a rug': Police conclude search after Columbus woman's backyard discovery goes viral
- Mets find more late magic, rallying to stun Phillies in NLDS opener
- Mariah Carey talks American Music Awards performance, 30 years of 'All I Want for Christmas'
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- MLB playoff predictions: Who is the World Series favorite? Our expert picks.
- A week after Helene hit, thousands still without water struggle to find enough
- You like that?!? Falcons win chaotic OT TNF game. Plus, your NFL Week 5 preview 🏈
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Mariah Carey talks American Music Awards performance, 30 years of 'All I Want for Christmas'
Ranking
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Joe Musgrove injury: Padres lose pitcher to Tommy John surgery before NLDS vs. Dodgers
- SEC, Big Ten lead seven Top 25 college football Week 6 games to watch
- Ben Affleck Steps Out With New Look Amid Divorce From Jennifer Lopez
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Mariah Carey talks American Music Awards performance, 30 years of 'All I Want for Christmas'
- A year into the Israel-Hamas war, students say a chill on free speech has reached college classrooms
- Why do dogs sleep so much? Understanding your pet's sleep schedule
Recommendation
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
2 sisters from Egypt were among those killed in Mexican army shooting
LeQuint Allen scores 4 TDs as Syracuse upsets No. 23 UNLV in overtime
Counterfeit iPhone scam lands pair in prison for ripping off $2.5 million from Apple
Trump's 'stop
Minnesota Lynx cruise to Game 3 win vs. Connecticut Sun, close in on WNBA Finals
Georgia businessman convicted of cheating two ex-NBA players of $8M
Washington state fines paper mill $650,000 after an employee is killed