Investigation Launched After Rock Collapse at Osinnikovskaya Mine in Kuzbass
The Osinnikovskaya mine near Osinniki in the Kuzbass region experienced a significant rock collapse during preparatory works. A tunnel boring machine was operating inside an active development section when a mass of rock shifted and settled in the installation chamber. The incident prompted immediate concern for worker safety as there were reports that a miner could be buried beneath debris.
According to officials, the collapse occurred while preparations were underway for a mine facility used by a mining combine. At present, mining operations have been suspended to secure the site, while a search and rescue operation is underway to locate and assist any workers who may be trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue crews have been working to clear debris and reach the affected area, with the goal of locating all individuals who may have been affected by the collapse.
The public prosecutor’s office has ordered a full review of compliance with labor protection laws and occupational safety standards at the Osinnikovskaya facility. The probe aims to determine whether proper safety measures were in place, assess the adequacy of risk management, and identify any procedural breaches that could have contributed to the incident. The investigative focus will include site supervision, equipment safety checks, and adherence to established mine development protocols.
Incidents like this draw urgent attention to the conditions under which workers operate in Kuzbass, a region with a long history of mining activity. In the wake of such events, authorities typically emphasize the need for rigorous safety training, continuous monitoring of rock stability, and robust emergency response planning. The Osinnikovskaya case is being treated as a priority matter for regional authorities, with a dedicated task force coordinating the ongoing response, rescue efforts, and subsequent inquiries.
Initial reports indicate that the incident occurred in the morning hours of March 24, with a large number of miners still on site at the time of the collapse. Evacuation procedures were activated to ensure that staff could reach the surface quickly and safely. As of the latest updates, 73 workers had been accounted for and brought to the surface, while another 315 were in the process of ascending from deeper sections of the mine. The situation remains dynamic as responders continue to assess the stability of the remaining sections and complete the recovery operations.
Officials stressed that the safety and well‑being of miners are the highest priority. The investigation will also examine contingency plans, communication protocols during emergencies, and the effectiveness of rapid response measures. The case underscores the importance of meticulous risk assessment in underground development, particularly in regions where geological conditions can pose significant challenges to workers and operators alike. Any findings may lead to enhanced safety regulations and improvements in standard operating procedures across similar facilities in the region.
For now, the focus remains on locating all potentially trapped workers, stabilizing the collapsed area, and ensuring a transparent and thorough inquiry. The authorities will publish updates as new information becomes available and as the investigation progresses through its stages of evidence collection and expert review.
Note: This summary reflects information reported by Interfax in coordination with the press service of the regional prosecutor’s office and corroborated by ongoing field assessments. The aim is to provide an objective, ongoing account of the incident, the response, and the investigatory measures undertaken to ensure workplace safety and protect the rights of affected workers.