ANKARA: An explosion at a coal mine in northwestern Turkey killed two people, injured five others and left one miner trapped, local media reported on Friday, citing the provincial governor.
The explosion was caused by “firedamp”, or flammable gas, said Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacibektasoglu.
“Eight people were in the tunnel, seven were rescued. Unfortunately, two of our miners died after being taken to hospital,” Hacibektasoglu said.
Five others were injured, he added.
“One of the miners is still inside the mine. We have made contact with him and are trying to get him out,” the governor said.
Two of the injured suffered burns and were in serious condition, according to the official.
Earlier this month, five people were killed in a coal mine collapse in western Turkey.
The deadliest mining disaster in Turkey’s history occurred in the western town of Soma in 2014, when 301 miners died from carbon monoxide poisoning following an underground fire triggered by an explosion.
Testimonies from miners and technical reports later pointed to a series of basic safety violations, including the absence of adequate carbon monoxide detection systems.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the government pushed through reforms aimed at improving safety and working conditions in the sector.