Survival of trapped workers slim in Iran coal mine explosion
Friday, May 5th, 2017 12:20:32 by fatimaarshad
As rescue operations continue into the third day after the Iran coal mine explosion, survival of any mine workers trapped inside are very slim.
On Wednesday, a fatal gas explosion deep into a coal mine in northern Iran has already resulted in the death of 26 miners, while dozens are still trapped deep underground after the explosion.
It has been more than 36 hours that the explosion took place and some of the miners got trapped inside at a mine in Azadshahr in Golestan province. The rescue operations ran into trouble as poisonous gases filled the tunnels making it very hard for the rescue workers to continue. In addition, fears of the tunnel collapsing also hampered the rescue operations.
The removal of rubble blocking the tunnel was almost completed by Thursday evening, however, the real trouble lies in reaching the survivors who are trapped very deep in the ground.
Three days of mourning have been declared in the Golestan province following this tragic accident.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei offered condolences to the families of those who lost lives in this ‘very bitter’ tragedy.
“Efforts by various organisations will be rewarded (by God). They (should) increase their efforts as much as possible,” he said in a message.
President Hassan Rouhani also expressed sorrow for victims of the disaster, which has overshadowed his re-election campaign.
Initially it was reported that 21 victims were found at a depth of 600 meters and rescue teams had descended 1,400 meters into the tunnel where the blast happened. Later, the toll had reached to 26. More than 70 miners were treated in hospitals for gas poisoning and injuries.
The mine has 500 workers and the explosion happened during a change of shift, state media reported.
Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=54840
Posted by fatimaarshad
on May 5 2017. Filed under Latest News, World.
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