An explosion struck a coal mine in Turkey, near Bartın on the Black Sea coast. Officials reported that 35 miners were trapped deep underground, with at least two confirmed dead and around 20 injuries. The incident prompted immediate emergency responses as teams moved to secure the scene and account for all workers.
A preliminary blast occurred at approximately 18:15 local time (15:15 GMT) about 300 meters below ground in the Amasra coal mine. The Bartın Governorship issued a brief social media update stating that emergency units were on site and actively coordinating rescue efforts as the situation unfolded.
According to limited information circulating on social media, two workers lost their lives in the Bartın mine, with roughly 20 others reported injured. Health officials were monitoring the situation and providing updates as more details became available. A government spokesperson and health minister later acknowledged casualties and the ongoing response to the accident.
Initial reports indicated that 149 personnel were assigned to the response, supported by 31 ambulances and a dedicated emergency vehicle. This response reflected the scale of the incident and the high priority given to locating all workers who may be trapped or in distress. The government and medical authorities conveyed condolences to those affected and stressed the importance of rapid, coordinated action.
On social media, Dr. Fahrettin Koca, the Health Minister, conveyed updates and expressed sympathy for the miners and their families, noting the extensive mobilization of medical and rescue resources. Attribution: Official account of the Turkish Health Ministry.
Governor Nurtaç Arslan personally traveled to the mine site to assess the situation and brief reporters. He explained that the precise cause of the blast was still unknown, though the incident occurred at significant depth, with reports of workers located at 300 meters and 350 meters below the surface. Officials emphasized the ongoing investigative and safety review processes as rescue operations continued.
Union representatives indicated that dozens of miners were present at the location when the explosion occurred, with some already accounted for as rescued. They estimated that a considerable number remained unaccounted for, underscoring the urgent need for a thorough search and extraction operation.
Local officials also provided updates on rescue progress. The mayor of Amasra stated that eleven miners had been rescued and two sustained minor injuries, as responders worked to clear rubble and stabilize the shaft area. The scene remained chaotic, with mounting concerns about the number of missing workers and the conditions underground.
A eyewitness described seeing multiple motionless bodies on the ground and indicated uncertainty about their status. Reporters pressed officials for clarity as teams continued to conduct searches, assess air quality, and manage debris. The uncertainty underscored the dangerous conditions miners face and the immediate need for safety protocols to be re-evaluated in the wake of the blast.
Residents and officials alike acknowledged the broader context: Turkey has experienced several tragic accidents in coal and lignite mines, which labor unions have long attributed to insufficient safety standards and uneven regulatory oversight. The tragic events at Soma in Manisa in May 2014, where 301 miners perished in a mine fire caused by an electric fault, remain a stark reminder of the sector’s persistent risks and the vital role of rigorous safety measures.
As investigations proceed, authorities in Bartın and national safety agencies are expected to scrutinize mine design, ventilation, emergency exits, and worker training to prevent future catastrophes. The community continues to rally around affected families as rescue teams maintain the delicate balance between retrieving trapped miners and preserving stability within the mine shaft.