A methane gas explosion at a privately owned coal mine in Turkey's Zonguldak province has killed three people and injured five others. The blast occurred at around 10pm local time in the Kimli district, with authorities attributing the cause to a build-up of methane gas.
Rescue and Casualties
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene after two people were pulled from the mine, and they were subsequently pronounced dead. Five more injured individuals were taken to hospital, according to the Mirror. Local news reports later confirmed a third death.
Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu told reporters that the explosion had been caused by methane gas. Some relatives of the miners reportedly collapsed in front of the hospital where their loved ones were being treated, as reported by TrtHaber.
Official Response
Rescue teams were sent to the area immediately after the incident and remain at the scene, Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi said in a statement. He added that necessary checks were being carried out at the mine and officials would continue to monitor it.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that an investigation has been launched. He said: "Regarding the explosion that occurred as a result of methane gas accumulation in a mining operation in the Kilimli district of Zonguldak, the Zonguldak Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an immediate investigation."
Interior Minister Çiftçi also expressed condolences, saying: "I pray to Almighty God for mercy upon our deceased miner brothers, for patience and condolences to their grieving families and loved ones, and for a speedy recovery for the injured. May God never again allow our noble nation to experience such pain."
