Two people killed in Kentucky rockslide. Officials say they were digging for coal.
Two people died in a rockslide early Friday morning while digging for coal, according to Clay County Emergency Management.
The incident happened along an embankment on Stone Gap Road in the Oneida community of Clay County. The local emergency management agency said it received a call from a family member of a man buried under rubble shortly after 1 a.m. and numerous agencies responded.
One man was found dead in the rubble when officials arrived, according to Clay County EMA. A second man was later found during rescue and recovery operations.
The identities of the victims won’t be released until the Clay County Coroner’s Office notifies their family members.
Officials believe the men were digging for coal along an exposed coal seam about 8-10 feet above the ditch line on the embankment when the rockslide occurred, according to Clay County EMA. Buckets of raw coal and hand tools were found close to the victims in the rubble, and a bucket of coal was found in a vehicle at the scene.
Clay County EMA Deputy Director Revelle Berry said the men weren’t working for an employer and were digging for personal use.
Officials are continuing to investigate the incident but no additional victims are expected to be found, according to Clay County EMA.
This story was originally published December 27, 2024 at 1:35 PM.
