Latest News

One miner passes away, 2 caught in Slovenia coal mine accident

One miner died and rescuers were trying to reach two others trapped after water and mud put into underground tunnels at the Velenje coal mine in northeastern Slovenia, mine officials stated on Tuesday.

The cause of Monday night's mishap has not been established but mining inspectors were at the site, regional media reported.

Eleven staff members handled to escape, while three employees remained in the area covered by debris, Premogovnik Velenje mine director, Marko Mavec, informed reporters at the website.

Mavec stated hope passes away last as efforts were made to recuperate two caught miners however stated the situation was not motivating and the rescue effort was dangerous.

Production at the Velenje coal mine has been suspended. It becomes part of the state-owned Holding Slovenske Elektrarne Group, and generally supplies the Sostanj thermal power plant with coal.

Production ... will be stopped until the rescue operation is completed, and a special support program will be established for the households of the victims, Prime Minister Robert Golob stated during a check out to the mine on Tuesday.

(source: Reuters)