MIDDLESBORO, Ky. — A state spokesman says three maintenance workers have been freed and appear to be in good health after being trapped for 14 hours in a southeastern Kentucky mine.
Dick Brown, spokesman for the state energy and environment cabinet, said the men were freed Monday about 8:30 p.m.
The three, identified as Parnell Witherspoon, Doug Warren and Russell Asher, had been on dry ground about 500 feet from the mine entrance since getting caught in the mine at 6:40 a.m. when officials say a collapse at the entrance sent water from a swollen drainage ditch gushing in.
The men were nearing the end of their shift when it happened, said Eddie Starks, an MSHA official. Starks said the men used their helmet-mounted headlamps one at a time to conserve power.
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