Turkey – tragedy in a mine: 40 workers dead – Erdogan is on the scene

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The fatal accident in Amasra evoked memories of the 2014 tragedy at a coal mine in the western Turkish city of Soma, where 301 workers had died

The tragic toll from the explosion at a coal mine in northwestern Turkey continues to rise, as the number of workers who lost their lives now stands at 40.

“We have counted a total of 40 dead. Fifty-eight miners have been rescued, either by themselves or by rescue crews as we near the end of rescue operations.

“Investigations continue for a single person whose fate remains unknown,” said Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, while Energy Minister Fatih Domez stood next to him, clearly devastated.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to visit the site of the accident today. The explosion, which according to the authorities was caused by the ignition of a gas, occurred yesterday afternoon at 18:15 local time (and Greek time) at this major coal mine in the town of Amasra, in the province of Bartin, which operates from of the 19th century.

The fatal accident in Amasra evoked memories of the 2014 tragedy at a coal mine in the western Turkish city of Soma, where 301 workers were killed after an explosion and fire caused a shaft to collapse.

Turkish justice imposed prison terms of up to 22 years and six months on three mine managers, who were found guilty of negligence.

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