Four More Miners Die in Tkibuli, Death Toll Reaches 11 This Year
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Tuesday, July 17
Four miners were killed and six others injured during the mine accident in the Mindeli Mine of Tkibuli region in western Georgia.
The fatal incident increased the death toll of miners to 11 this year, the Georgian Professional Unions reported.
Only after the latest accident the government of Georgia made the decision to close the mine until the investigation is over.
Possible reason of the accident is methane explosion.
The president of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili has criticized the government for the absence of tough labor law and the high security standards on the workplace, the view that was shared by the opposition.
The Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze declared July 16 as a mourning day.
“I wholeheartedly express my condolences to the families of the victims in this difficult moment. The state cannot allow vulnerability of health and life of its citizens. Accordingly, we have taken the decision to close the Mindeli mine,” PM Bakhtadze said, adding that the case is being investigated and everyone responsible will be held accountable.
The employees of the mine will be given their monthly salary during the time the mine will be closed.
Heath condition of the four injured miners is critical and they have been transported to Tbilisi burn center.
The remaining two miners are in Tkibuli hospital as their burns and injuries are minor.
The civil sector has been demanding tough labor code and strong labor inspection for years, saying that the government of Georgia is responsible for the deaths on workplaces.
The Professional Unions of Georgia stated that 29 people died on the workplace this year and 24 others received severe injuries.
Out of the 29 people, 11 were miners, while 10 out 24 miners were injured.
