After days of searching, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the death of the second worker trapped in a collapsed coal plant in Martin, Ky.
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
Beshear reported midweek that one of the two trapped workers had died and ordered intensified rescue operations to locate the other employee, identified as Alvin Nees.
Kentucky, we have some tough news out of Martin County to share. 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. ^AB
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) November 1, 2023
Before learning of the first worker's death, Beshear signed an executive order to declare a state of emergency and provide aid with all the state resources necessary to carry out rescue operations.
For more information on the collapsed coal preparation plant in Martin County, read the @KentuckyEM release from earlier this morning: https://t.co/W9iVB5TAi2 pic.twitter.com/xy8xCO9ekA
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) November 1, 2023
The collapse occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The plant had been inactive for years and had 11 floors. At the time of the collapse, the two workers were on one of the lower floors performing dismantling work.
At the moment, the cause of the collapse is unknown.
