News

Criminal proceedings launched into explosion at Vorkutinskaya mine in Komi Republic

On 11 February 2013, at about 10:40 a.m., at the depth of 800 meters there was an explosion in Vorkutinskaya mine. At the moment of the explosion there were 23 miners down the coal-face, 15 of them were killed, two injured were taken on the surface by rescuers, four got out by themselves. The whereabouts of the others is being ascertained. The Komi Republic investigating bodies of the Russia’s Investigative Committee have launched a criminal case over signs of a crime under part 3 of article 216 of the RF Criminal Code (violation of safety rules during mining, construction or other works entailing by negligence death of two or more people).

An investigating group is working at the scene at present. Investigating operations are underway to find out the causes and circumstances of the incident. On the order of the senior officials of the Investigative Committee the specialists of the Central Office who have experience in investigating the man-made catastrophes have been sent to the Komi Republic.