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IndustriALL mourns 13 miners killed in Czech Republic

21 December, 2018At least 13 miners have been killed and ten wounded in a methane explosion at the CSM coal mine in Karvina in the Czech Republic on 20 December.

Eleven Polish nationals and two Czech miners died in a methane blast more than 800 metres underground at the mine, which is situated close to the Polish border. 

A search of the scene had to be abandoned due to a raging fire and zero visibility, according to the mine’s state-run operator, OKD. 

It is the worst mining disaster to hit the Czech Republic since 1990, when 30 miners died in a fire at a mine near Karvina.  

IndustriALL’s assistant general secretary, Kemal Özkan, said:

“We are shocked and saddened at this terrible waste of life. All mining deaths are avoidable and safety must come first at all costs. As a global union representing miners all over the world, we offer our deep condolences to the victims’ families and all those affected by this tragedy.”