Heavy Rain Causes Ky. Roof Collapse, Six Hurt

March 19--CORBIN -- Heavy rain that began at about 7:30 p.m. Thursday following hail that landed on the roof of the Truseal building in Barbourville may have caused a piece of the roof to fall at about 8 p.m.

About 50 workers were in the building. Only six sustained minor injuries and were taken to the Knox County Hospital, said Knox County Judge/Executive J.M. Hall.

At the time, said Barbourville firefighter Jim Tye, who is also the Knox County Deputy Judge/Executive, said he and about 18 others were at the firehouse for training when word came about the roof fall.

The firefighters took four trucks and headed for the building south of Barbourville.

They entered the building and made sure that all those in the building were accounted for, Barbourville Mayor David Thompson.

Workers in the plant were moved to the front of the building to make sure that all who were in the area where the roof collapsed were accounted for as well as the rest of those in the building.

All were found to be safe.

Thompson said it was luck that no one was seriously hurt or trapped.

He added that along with rain water coming in through the roof, water from pipes overhead also began leaking and about six inches of water was on the floor.

One of the Truseal workers said the collapse sounded like thunder.

The cause of the breaking of the roof has yet to be determined.