1 Man Killed, Another Trapped After Kentucky Coal Plant Collapse, Authorities Say
Gov. Andy Beshear previously declared a state of emergency following the collapse of a building that trapped two men inside
One man died after he and another man became trapped inside a Kentucky coal plant that collapsed on Tuesday, prompting an emergency crew rescue mission.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced the fatality after a coal preparation plant in Martin County caved in.
"Kentucky, we have some tough news out of Martin County to share," he said. "At least one of the workers trapped inside the collapsed coal preparation plant has died. Please pray for the family and loved ones of this individual."
The 10-story coal plant was being prepared for demolition when the incident occurred, the Associated Press, CBS affiliate WYMT and NBC affiliate WSAZ reported. There is no update on whether contact has been established with the second man trapped in the collapse.
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“This coal preparation plant has been out of commission for a while — for several years,” Martin County Sheriff John Kirk said, WYMT reported. “It’s my understanding that the coal company sold it for basically scrap. And they were salvaging what they could out of it.”
Martin County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
Kirk said at the time that rescuers were able to establish contact with one of the two men who were on the bottom floor at the time when the structure collapsed, adding, “We’ve got several rescuers inside of the rubble trying to free him.”
According to the Associated Press, Louisville Fire Capt. Donovan Sims said "the incident has prompted an immediate and coordinated rescue effort involving approximately 24 highly skilled rescuers from both departments, who are currently on the scene, along with many others."
In an early Wednesday morning Facebook post, Beshear wrote that he issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency.
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“Two workers are trapped inside and a number of teams are working to rescue these individuals,” he said. “The Order mobilizes state resources to help. Kentucky, please join Britainy and me in praying for their safety and for the brave teams working to rescue them. We will share more information as available.”
Kirk told WYMT that the rescue could be a multi-day operation.
“You kinda feel helpless that you can’t do more, that you can’t for it faster,” Kirk said, per the station. “But this is not a fast process. It’s a very slow process in order to try to keep everybody safe.
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