Potential contaminant found at collapsed Kentucky coal prep plant. Experts testing.
A state environmental response team has responded to the scene of the coal preparation plant collapse in Eastern Kentucky after potential contaminants were found in the building, officials announced Friday.
Kentucky Emergency Management Director Jeremy Slinker said the potential contaminants were contained and were undergoing testing, but nobody had expressed any concerns to him about contaminants being released into the environment. It’s unclear what the potential contaminant was.
Rescuers had been at work since Tuesday evening trying to find the two men who were trapped in the wreckage. One man, Billy Ray “Bo” Daniels, has been confirmed dead. But rescuers were still hoping to find the other worker, Alvin Nees, alive as of Friday.
Officials with the environmental response team worked into the early morning hours Friday safely processing the scene.
Officials with the Energy and Environment cabinet had previously confirmed that environmental safety inspectors would go to the scene.
How rescuers have worked to stay safe
The site of the collapse, which occurred Tuesday in a coal mining complex that hasn’t been active in years, has been cleared for asbestos. Searchers have been wearing respirators and N-95 masks to protect themselves from dust, Slinker previously said.
Crews continued to keep safety at the forefront of their mind as rescue and recovery efforts continued Friday. Slinker said there was a safety officer present during every operational period, and they had the ability to contact experts if further guidance was needed.
“Top priority is rescuing and recovering our individuals, but equal or right behind that is the safety of the rescuers and the staff,” Slinker said.
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