Tragic Mine Fire in Kazakhstan Claims 16 Lives
Date: 2023-10-28 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: WORLD
On October 28, a fierce blaze broke out at the Kostenko mine, situated in the Karaganda region of Kazakhstan, leading to the unfortunate demise of 16 individuals. At the time of the accident, 252 miners were working inside the mine, and 205 were successfully evacuated to the surface. There is a possibility that several miners might still be trapped underground.
The regional Akim, Yermaganbet Bulekpayev, informed that 18 individuals have been hospitalized, while 40 rescuers and 10 units of equipment are engaged in the ongoing rescue operation. An operational headquarters has been established to coordinate the efforts.
The Minister of Emergency Situations, Syrym Sharipkhanov, arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue efforts.
In response to this tragedy, the General Prosecutor's Office has initiated a pre-trial investigation under the article "Violation of Safety Rules for Mining or Construction Works" concerning the Kostenko mine incident.
The mine is owned by ArcelorMittal Temirtau, and it is suspected that the fire may have been triggered by a methane explosion within the mine. In light of the incident, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the government to terminate its investment cooperation with ArcelorMittal Temirtau.
ArcelorMittal Temirtau, controlled by British billionaire of Indian origin, Lakshmi Mittal, manages a number of mines in the Karaganda coal basin. This marks another tragedy for the company, as in August, a fire at another of its mines, Kazakhstan's mine, claimed the lives of five individuals and injured 16 others.
Official data reveals that over the past 15 years, more than 100 people have lost their lives on ArcelorMittal Temirtau's facilities.
The regional Akim, Yermaganbet Bulekpayev, informed that 18 individuals have been hospitalized, while 40 rescuers and 10 units of equipment are engaged in the ongoing rescue operation. An operational headquarters has been established to coordinate the efforts.
The Minister of Emergency Situations, Syrym Sharipkhanov, arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue efforts.
In response to this tragedy, the General Prosecutor's Office has initiated a pre-trial investigation under the article "Violation of Safety Rules for Mining or Construction Works" concerning the Kostenko mine incident.
The mine is owned by ArcelorMittal Temirtau, and it is suspected that the fire may have been triggered by a methane explosion within the mine. In light of the incident, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the government to terminate its investment cooperation with ArcelorMittal Temirtau.
ArcelorMittal Temirtau, controlled by British billionaire of Indian origin, Lakshmi Mittal, manages a number of mines in the Karaganda coal basin. This marks another tragedy for the company, as in August, a fire at another of its mines, Kazakhstan's mine, claimed the lives of five individuals and injured 16 others.
Official data reveals that over the past 15 years, more than 100 people have lost their lives on ArcelorMittal Temirtau's facilities.
