2nd worker trapped under collapsed Kentucky coal prep plant has died, governor says

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Gov. Andy Beshear says the second of two workers trapped under a coal mine preparation plant that collapsed earlier this week in eastern Kentucky has died

The second of two workers trapped under a coal mine preparation plant that collapsed earlier this week in eastern Kentucky has died, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday.

“This is a heartbreaking situation," the Democratic governor wrote on social media, calling for prayers for the men's loved ones.

The two men — identified as Billy Ray Daniels and Alvin Nees — were trapped under rubble at the Martin Mine Prep Plant in Martin County after an 11-story abandoned building crashed down around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The men were on the scene completing work to prepare for its demolition.

Daniels was originally located alive, but officials announced Wednesday that he died during rescue efforts. Crews worked around the clock for days digging through steel and concrete wreckage to find Nees, 57. Martin County Judge Executive Lon Lafferty said at a press conference earlier Friday the Nees family was “still holding out hope and prayer” that he would be found alive.

“They are very strong in their faith and their convictions in God,” he said, adding: “Obviously, it’s a very, very trying time.”

Lafferty said the families of both men had been to the site. His team spent time with the families Thursday, which he described as a “very, very tough, emotional day.”

Although officials briefly made contact with Daniels before his death, authorities said they had not had any communication with Nees since the building collapsed in Inez, a town of about 500 people about 160 miles (258 kilometers) east of Frankfort. Daniels and Nees are from neighboring Pike County.

Director of Kentucky