Quarry Rescue
Rescue workers waited hours Monday for the needed equipment – including this crane from Manassas – to help in the search for the 19-year-old miner.
Posted: Monday, August 3, 2015
Leesburg Today
Rescue crews are continuing to search the rubble of a collapsed silo at the Luck Stone quarry in Ashburn where a 19-year-old worker is believed to be trapped.
The silo split open about 6:30 a.m. at the quarry along Belmont Ridge Road. The silo contained mineral filler, a fine material used in asphalt.
During a briefing given to reporters about 10:15 a.m, Loudoun Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief Keith Johnson said dogs from Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team that are trained to find people in such situations are on the scene, but so far have not found a trace of the worker. They also have used listening devices to locate the victim, without success.
Johnson said that crews have done as much as they can outside the silo. The next step will be to shore up the structure enough to allow firefighters to safely go inside, he said.
Rescue workers waited hours for heavy cranes to arrive from Manassas and surrounding counties to help with the search. Loudoun Fire-Rescue Public Information Officer Laura Rinehart said the cranes were put into position about 5 p.m.
“We’re still holding out hope," Johnson said.
The victim has not been identified. His family is on the scene, Johnson said.
Representatives from the Mines Safety and Health Administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will conduct the investigation.
In a press release sent just after 5 p.m., Luck Stone stated: "Luck Stone is committed to ensuring that MSHA, Loudoun Fire Rescue and the Sherriff’s department have the resources, space and time needed to complete their search effort and investigation. The company’s primary consideration continues to be the health, safety and well being of the missing associate, their family and everyone involved in the search effort."