LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Rescue crews recovered the body of the second worker missing after a coal mine preparation plant in eastern Kentucky collapsed Tuesday night.
Alvin Nees, 57, who'd been missing for more than 48 hours, was found dead, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear reported posted on social media.
I am sad to report that the second worker trapped inside the collapsed coal preparation plant in Martin County has died. This is a heartbreaking situation and I hope everyone will join Britainy and me in praying for the families of these two workers and this entire community. ^AB
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) November 3, 2023
The 11-story abandoned building crashed down at the Martin Mine Prep Plant in Martin County while it was undergoing work toward its demolition. Officials briefly made contact with one of the two men, Billy Ray Daniels, but announced Wednesday he died amid rescue efforts.
The men from neighboring Pike County were doing contracting work as part of the building's demolition.
Crews have delved under layers of steel and concrete with search dogs and listening devices, he said. In the second full day of rescue efforts, officials are removing the debris into smaller piles for the search.
The plant is in Inez, a town of about 500 people.
President Lyndon Johnson visited Inez during his "War On Poverty" in 1964. In 2000, a coal-sludge impoundment in Inez collapsed, sending an estimated 300 million gallons into the Big Sandy River and its tributaries. A byproduct of purifying coal, the sludge oozed into yards and streams for miles in what was considered one of the South’s worst environmental disasters at the time.
Related Stories:
- Crews begin removing debris amid ongoing search for worker trapped after Kentucky mine collapse
- 1 dead, 1 missing in collapse of eastern Kentucky coal plant near West Virginia border
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