A devastating mine accident in central Bosnia has left five miners buried underground while 29 others were successfully rescued. The incident occurred in the Zenica coal mine following a gas explosion triggered by a minor earthquake, leading to the collapse of two tunnels. Rescue operations were halted as hopes dimmed for the trapped miners.
Key Takeaways
- Incident Date: The mine collapse occurred on Thursday evening.
- Rescue Efforts: 29 miners were rescued after spending the night underground.
- Casualties: Five miners are believed to be dead, with rescue efforts suspended.
- Cause: The collapse was caused by a gas explosion linked to a minor earthquake.
Overview of the Incident
On Friday, rescue workers managed to pull 29 miners from the Zenica coal mine after they had been trapped for over 12 hours. The miners emerged one by one, their faces covered in coal dust, greeted by anxious family members who had been waiting outside the mine entrance. Ambulances were on standby to provide medical assistance to the rescued miners.
The union leader at the Zenica coal mine, Mehmed Oruc, reported that the disaster struck when two tunnels collapsed due to a gas explosion. This explosion was reportedly triggered by a minor earthquake that had hit the area near Zenica. Fortunately, 22 miners were able to escape the pit immediately after the collapse, although two sustained injuries.
Rescue Operations
Rescue operations were launched promptly after the incident, with teams working tirelessly to locate the trapped miners. Despite the challenging conditions, the rescue teams managed to bring 29 miners to safety. However, as the hours passed, officials made the difficult decision to halt further rescue efforts for the five miners still unaccounted for, believing that they had perished in the collapse.
Community Response
The community has rallied around the families of the trapped miners, with many expressing their grief and concern. The emotional toll of the incident has been profound, as families anxiously awaited news of their loved ones. The rescue efforts have drawn attention to the safety conditions in mines across the region, prompting calls for improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Conclusion
This tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by miners and the need for stringent safety protocols in the mining industry. As the community mourns the loss of the five miners, there is a renewed focus on ensuring that such accidents do not happen again. The resilience of the rescued miners and the support from their families serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
