Russia

No more hope of rescue of 26 mate in a Russian mine

After a second massive Explosion in the coal mine Severnaya within three days, the authorities of the death of all the missing miners. Thus, a total of 36 people have died there.

Exhausted rescue workers in the coal mine near Vorkuta in the Russian Arctic

In the case of a firedamp Explosion in the Morning, five rescue workers and a worker died pending, as the Agency Interfax. The rescue work in the mine near Vorkuta, approximately 2000 kilometres to the North-East of Moscow, were cancelled.

“The conditions in the affected part of the mine to Survive,” said the Russian disaster protection Minister Vladimir Puchkov. For more information will give it in the course of the day. The operator Vorkutaugol, part of steel group Severstal billionaire Alexei Mordashov, had also delayed, as the authorities first, to explain the missing mate dead – although it was after the accident not contact you.

The worst mining accident in Russia since years

By the first Explosion and partial collapse of the pit on Thursday for four miners were killed and several were injured. After that, hundreds of rescue workers were struggling to extinguish the fire, and to find the Missing. In the meantime is to be expected from the worst mining disaster in Russia since years. At the time of the Explosion, 110 people in 748 meters in depth were found, 80 of the accident survived.

In Russian mines, there are always fatal accidents. Often obsolete equipment or violations of safety regulations are the cause. In February 2013, it had come in an Explosion in a Mine in Vorkuta, 18 people died. The Region is for its extreme climatic conditions. During the reign of former Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin there were tens of thousands of workers in mines, forced busy. After the closure of the labour camps in the 50s, the mining industry was operated.

sti/cw (afp, dpa)