A man has died in a Muhlenberg County mine explosion.
On Wednesday, 62-year-old Richard L. Knapp, a welder/iron worker employed by Fricke Management & Contracting, out of Murphysboro, Illinois, was working at Paradise #9 Mine, preparing the mine to be taken out of service. A methane gas explosion in the shaft where he was working caused Knapp to suffer a fatal fall, according to the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet.
The mine was operated by KenAmerican Resources, Inc. In February, Murray Energy Corp. announced that the mine would be idled effective immediately, according to WHOP.com.
Mine Safety and Health Administration personnel are on site and investigating the incident.
Knapp’s death was the third mining fatality this year in Kentucky.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
