Ermenek mine accident

On October 28, 2014, 18 miners were trapped underground in the Has Sekerler mine, a coal mine in the Turkish town of Ermenek. It is the second major accident at a Turkish mine in six months; the previous one was the Soma mine disaster in May 2014.[1]

Accident

It is believed 18 miners were trapped about 300 meters underground by flooding caused by a broken pipe.[2] In addition to those trapped, 20 workers have either escaped the mine or were rescued from it.[2] Rescue workers are currently working to pump water out from three sections of the mine.[2] On October 30, Energy Minister Taner Yıldız stated that this operation was being hampered by mud and damage within the mine.[3] An official from the mine, which is privately owned, said the chances of the trapped miners making it to safety were slim unless they had been able to reach a safety gallery.[2][4] Two of the miners' bodies have been located.[5] On November 9, Yıldız said that arrest warrants for eight people had been issued, including the owner of the mine.[5]

Reactions
  • Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, cancelled planned Republic Day celebrations due to the accident, and also visited the mine on October 29.[6]

References
  1. Reuters (28 October 2014). "Hopes dim for 18 workers trapped in Turkish mine". Reuters. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  2. Fraser, Suzan (28 October 2014). "18 Miners Trapped in Coal Mine Accident in Turkey". ABC News. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  3. Associated Press (30 October 2014). "Hopes Fade for 18 Trapped Turkish Miners". ABC News. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
  4. Associated Press (29 October 2014). "Turkish rescue workers pump out water, trying to save 18 workers trapped in flooded coal mine". Fox News. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  5. "Mine owners to blame for tragedy, says minister". Daily Sabah. 9 November 2014. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  6. Arsu, Sebnem (29 October 2014). "Turkish Leader Cancels Holiday Celebrations to Observe Rescue Mission at Coal Mine". New York Times. Retrieved 29 October 2014.


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