Türkiye received condolence messages from all over the world over the deadly coal mine blast on Friday, leaving over 40 miners dead.
Early investigations indicate that the firedamp caused the mine blast, according to Energy Minister Fatih Donmez. A firedamp is a volatile mixture of flammable gases present in the mines.
Nearly 110 mineworkers were at work in the shaft at the time of the blasts, out of which 41 have been confirmed dead. 11 injured miners are under treatment in hospitals, according to the health minister, out of which five are in critical condition suffering from burns that cover 65% to 85% of their bodies.
Turkish president visits incident site
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the incident site in Amasra district where and extended condolences to bereaved families. He said that immediate assistance will be provided to the wounded workers, as well as the grieving families of those miners who lost their lives. Erdogan further notified that the rescue and search operations had been completed, and an inquiry is underway.
Condolences from across the globe
Pakistan
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families and the Turkish people. I wish the trapped people to be rescued as soon as possible.”
United States
The US Embassy in Ankara exclaimed that the mine blast in Bartin was deeply saddening.
“We convey our condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives, we wish the injured a speedy recovery,” said the US Embassy’s statement.
Italy
The Italian Embassy said in a Twitter post: “We share the pain of the families of those who lost their lives in the mine explosion in Bartin. We wish the wounded a speedy recovery and share the suffering of the Turkish people at this painful time.”
Russia
Meanwhile Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his message to Erdogan, said, “Please accept our deepest condolences regarding the tragic consequences of the accidentthat took place in the mining pit in Bartin.”
Erdogan showed gratitude to “all the friendly countries, their people, and international organizations for sharing our grief and expressing solidarity.”