MUHLENBERG COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Officials from the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet say that there has been a mining accident in Muhlenburg County involving a welder/iron worker.
They report that on Wednesday around 5:30 p.m., 62-year-old Richard L. Knapp, an employee of Fricke Management & Contracting, Murphysboro, Illinois, was constructing a form which would be used to fill a mine shaft with concrete in an effort to seal and close the mine. A methane gas explosion in the shaft caused Knapp to fall. EEC officials say that recovery efforts are underway.
All operations at the mine were shut down and they remain closed.
“On behalf of the Cabinet, I want to extend my heartfelt prayers to the Knapp family as all parties work as swiftly as possible in the recovery effort,” Secretary Charles Snavely said.
