Video of Middlesboro Flood
Three miners in Middlesboro in southeastern Kentucky were trapped in the mines as a result of a recent flash flood.
The miners were identified as Parnell Witherspoon, Doug Warren and Russell Asher, according to a local television media, WATE 6. All three are uninjured and able to communicate with rescue teams using a land telephone line.
“The bulk of the rain came between 3:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Monday morning,” stated Henry Marguisty, a senior meteorologist, in an Accuweather release.
The heavy rain had collapsed the mine’s entrance. Dick Brown, a spokesman for the state Energy and Environment Cabinet, informed the local website that due to the collapse, water had pooled in a ditch 180 feet inside the mine, blocking the miners’ exit.
Rescue teams are attempting to empty the water from the mine using four water pumps. The miners themselves are safe, and 600 feet away from the entrance in a dry area, awaiting rescue.
