Coal news and updates

Turkey coal mine disaster: Action at last, 24 detained

Twenty-four people were detained in Turkey on Sunday as investigations continued into last week's tragic coal mine accident which claimed 301 lives.

Soma Coal Mine Company operating manager Ramazan Dogru and chief engineer Akin Celik are among the detained company officials. Prosecutors have sent five of the suspects to court, demanding their arrest, a news report said.

Described as the worst mine accident in Turkey's history, a massive explosion in the Soma Coal Mine on May 13 had killed 301 people. Most deaths in the accident were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

The entrance of the mine was closed with a brick wall after the authorities ordered an end to rescue works. Only inspectors and prosecutors investigating the accident are being now allowed to enter the mine vicinity.

All mining activity was also halted upon orders by the Turkish Labour Inspection Board.

Source: indiatoday.intoday.in