MIDDLESBORO, Ky. (LEX 18) — Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 11 reported that all four lanes are blocked on KY 74 at 19th Street from 21st Street in Middlesboro as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday following a structure fire.
A post from the organization provided the following detour route:
"Coming from U.S. Highway 25E, turn left on 19th Street to Chester Avenue. Proceed to 21st Street and turn right to return to Cumberland Avenue (Highway 74)."
At this time it is unknown when the road will open back up.
According to Middlesboro Mayor Boone L. Bowling, the Cardwell Furniture Store located downtown is the structure that caught fire.
Mayor Bowling addressed the fire on a Facebook post that read, "Middlesboro suffered the devastating loss of a beloved downtown building to fire last night."
Mayor Bowling continued to highlight the quick response by the firefighters and their professionalism and training. He went on to thank Kentucky Utilities crews who "worked tirelessly to restore service" by 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday.
"Middlesboro we are truly blessed with some of the finest employees, first responders, and support agencies," Bowling expressed. "In the face of this tragedy, the way our community came together is a statement to who we are."
This is a developing story and LEX 18 will have more information as it becomes available.
