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May 14, 2014

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Turkish coal mine explosion leaves over 200 dead

At least 201 people have died in an explosion at a coal mine in western Turkey, officials have announced.
 
Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said 787 people were inside the mine at Soma in Manisa province when an electrical fault triggered the blast yesterday afternoon (13 May).
 
Initial reports said 17 people had died but the death toll increased as the day went on. 
 
Rescuers worked through the night, but Mr Yildiz said hopes were fading of finding any more survivors.
 
He said that of the workers inside the mine at the time of the incident, only about 360 of them — including those killed — had been accounted for. 
 
The electrical fault triggered a power cut, making the mine cages unusable. Those trapped are reported to be 2km (1.2 miles) below the surface, and 4km from the entrance of the mine.
 
Mr Yildiz said that carbon monoxide poisoning had claimed many lives and that oxygen was being pumped into the mine to help those still trapped.
 
The mine’s owners, Soma Komur Isletmeleri, said an investigation was underway but the accident occurred despite the “highest safety measures and constant controls”.
 
Lignite coal mining is a major industry in the Soma area, helping to supply a nearby lignite-fire thermal power plant, but safety has long been a concern. 
 
IOSH president, Tim Briggs, said the explosion was an “unbearable tragedy” from which lessons must be learned. 
 
“To see the loss of one life in a work-related accident is sickening, but to wake up to reports of at least 200 people killed in the coal mine explosion in Turkey is unbearable tragic. Our thoughts first and foremost are with those who died and their families, and we can only pray that those still trapped are saved.
 
“We also wish all the very best for those brave men and women involved in the rescue effort. One can only imagine what the families of those miners are now going through, and their friends and colleagues.
 
“An investigation will no doubt be carried out into the causes of this disaster. Lessons must be learned from that enquiry to ensure any mistakes that led to this explosion are never, ever repeated.”
 
Three days of mourning have been declared by the government in Turkey. 

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