SAN JUAN County, Utah, Nov. 10, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Two men were killed and a third critically injured in an industrial accident at the Intrepid Potash Mine in Moab early Saturday afternoon.
According to a statement by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, the accident happened when industrial equipment the men were operating came in contact with a power line.
“Russell Helquist and Matthew Johnston died at the scene while the 3rd victim, Arthur Secrest, was found unconscious but breathing,” the sheriff’s office statement said. “He was flown to a medical facility in Salt Lake. All men were living in the Moab area. The incident is still under investigation. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of these good men.”
Crews from multiple agencies responded to what was first reported as an explosion at about 12:06 p.m. near the Intrepid Potash Plant.
The Grand County Sheriff Office tweeted on Saturday afternoon that they were responding to the scene, as were the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Grand County EMS and the Moab Fire Department.
Intrepid Potash, a fertilizer plant, is located on Highway 279, west of the Colorado River.
People in the area are asked to steer clear of the location while emergency crews are on scene.
Gephardt Daily will have more on this breaking story as information becomes available.
