Faulty ventilation system might have increased casualties in Bartın mine blast, says CHP report

Click to read the article in Turkish

Shortcomings in the ventilation system of the Amasra mine might be responsible for the killing of many workers in the October 14 explosion, according to a report by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).

Some 41 workers were killed and over 20 were injured in a firedamp explosion in the mine operated by the state-owned coal enterprise in the northern city of Bartın. It was the deadliest mining incident since the 2014 Soma explosion, where 301 workers were killed.

The Court of Accounts, the country's top governmental accounting body, had already warned about the shortcomings in the ventilation systems, notes the CHP report prepared by four MPs after an on-site examination following the incident.

CLICK - Bartın mine blast: Resurfaced state audit report warns of safety deficiencies

There was no effective ventilation system, which threatened occupational safety, according to the report. The smoke after the explosion affected miners also in other corridors therefore possibly increasing casualties, it says.

Three days before the explosion, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security Labor Inspection Board conducted an inspection. However, according to the CHP report, the authorities have not provided any information to the public about this inspection.

Citing the family member of the miners whom the MPs interviewed, the report says, "A few days before the explosion, the workers were told that the rate of gas was high, and the workers would be put on leave for a month to ventilate the mine."

The report includes a list of 26 measures that they deem to be taken and stressed the necessity that all mines should be freed from political pressure and managed according to mining rules.

Mines should be reinspected according to ILO standards and a new Mining Labor Law should be enacted, it says. (RT/WM/VK)