An explosion in a mine in Bartin province of Turkey killed 25 people leaving dozens trapped. The incident took place on the Black Sea coast on Friday.
Health minister of the country told that 11 people were rescued and underwent treatment. About 110 people were working in the mine at the time of the blast.
“A preliminary assessment indicated that the explosion was likely caused by firedamp- a reference to flammable gases found in coal mines,” Energy Minister Fatih Donmez told media.
Visuals that were widely shared showed big restless crowd around the mine buildingclose to the entry to the pit looking for their friends and family. The blast happened 300 meters (985 feet) beneath the entry of the mine at around 1515 GMT, said Bartin Governor’s office.
Meanwhile, Bartin prosecutor’s office announced an independent investigation to find out the cause of explosion.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to arrive the scene of incident on Saturday. “Our hope is that the loss of life will not increase further, that our miners will be saved safely and all our efforts are in this direction,” he said in a tweet.
