157 Workers Confirmed Dead In Turkey Mine Explosion

An explosion at a coal mine in western Turkey has left 157 workers dead and 75 injured, local officials say. Cengiz Ergun, Mayor of Manisa, cautioned that the latest death toll had not been officially confirmed.

Initial reports said 17 people had been killed in the explosion and ensuing fire, and many more were trapped.

It was estimated that 580 workers were underground at the time of the blast, though it is thought many of them managed to escape.

It is not clear exactly how many are still trapped in the mine in the town of Soma, in Manisa province, about 250km (150 miles) south of Istanbul.

Large crowds of worried family members have gathered near the privately-owned mine, many in tears.

Energy Ministry Taner Yildiz told Turkish TV that carbon monoxide poisoning could have claimed lives.

He said that the fire had been triggered by an electrical fault.

TV footage showed rescuers helping workers from the mine, their faces and hard-hats covered in soot and dust. Some were able to walk but others were carried on stretchers to a fleet of waiting ambulances.


Source: BBC News