One dead following building collapse in Martin County

( WYMT )

MARTIN COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - One person was killed and another is trapped following a building collapse in Martin County Tuesday evening.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the scene around 6:30 p.m.

The incident happened near the middle fork of Wolf Creek.

Officials confirmed a more than 10-story coal preparation plant collapsed while two people were working inside to prepare the building for demolition.

Thursday evening, the names of the two men were released.

“This coal preparation plant has been out of commission for a while- for several years,” said Martin County Sheriff John Kirk. “It’s my understanding that the coal company sold it for basically scrap. And they were salvaging what they could out of it.”

Kirk said the project was ongoing for nearly 8 months, but something happened Tuesday that was out of the norm.

“They typically take these down in sections. They fall them- you know, cut torch and fall them in section,” he said. We believe that’s what happened. That it just didn’t fall the way they had projected it to fall and it actually closed around them.”

He said the men were on the bottom floor when the building collapsed, trapping them beneath tons of rubble.

The Pikeville Fire Department was the first agency to locate one of the men, putting him in contact with rescuers.

“We’ve been able to locate one of them and talk with him. Rescue efforts are underway now. We have multiple agencies down there,” said Kirk. “We’ve got several rescuers inside of the rubble trying to free him.”

However, Wednesday morning, officials with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the man they located died. He was later identified as Billy Ray Daniels.

While the other man has not been located, first responders said it is still being treated as a rescue mission, and the effort requires all hands on deck.

As a result, agencies from across the region are working to be part of the rescue.

“We’re not really equipped for this type of disaster,” Kirk said.

County leaders declared a local emergency in Martin County Wednesday morning following the incident, and, shortly before 6:25 a.m., Governor Andy Beshear followed by issuing a State of Emergency.

Beshear announced the move on social media:

The declaration mobilized additional resources to help first responders at the collapsed coal prep plant.

“Please join Britainy and me in praying for their safety and for the brave teams working to rescue them.” Gov. Beshear said in the post.

Officials with the American Red Cross also planned to offer canteen services, blankets and hygiene products for the first responders at the incident site.

Sheriff Kirk added the work is slow, and it could turn into a multi-day operation.

“This is a lot of weight. A lot of large metal structures, a lot of concrete, and very confined space last. Very tight spaces. Any time you put a rescuer in that situation, you’re putting in putting his life in danger.”

He said the falling objects and debris are also a risk factor for rescuers.

“You kinda feel helpless that you can’t do more, that you can’t for it faster. But this is not a fast process. It’s a very slow process in order to try to keep everybody safe,” he said. “This is a rescue mission.”

He said hope and help are all the area can really count on right now.

“If you pray, pray for these people. Pray for the victims, the families, pray for the first responders,” Kirk added.