Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 28 sent a message of condolence to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, expressing his condolences regarding the coal mine fire tragedy in Karaganda province, which left dozens of people dead and injured.
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| Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent his condolences to the families of the miners killed on October 28 and declared a national day of mourning on October 29. (Source: Radio Free Europe) |
Immediately after the accident, President Putin sent a telegram of condolences to his Kazakhatan counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and offered to convey his condolences and support to the families of the deceased miners.
Mr Putin also wished the victims a speedy recovery. The telegram read: “Please accept our deepest condolences regarding the tragic consequences of the accident at the coal mine in Karaganda province… We hope to rescue the miners who are still underground.”
According to the Karaganda Provincial Emergency Situations Department, as of the end of October 28 (local time), the bodies of 28 people killed were found at the Kostenko mine, owned by ArcelorMittal Temirtau Joint Stock Company.
According to confirmation from ArcelorMittal Temirtau Company, "Of the 252 miners, 208 have been brought out, of which 18 are seeking medical help. There are still 23 miners underground. The bodies of 28 miners have been found. Rescue efforts are ongoing."
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev immediately ordered the suspension of investment cooperation with ArcelorMittal Temirtau, Kazakhstan's largest mining company, which is invested by India's ArcelorMittal Group. President Tokayev also declared a national day of mourning on October 29.
This is the second fatal accident at an ArcelorMittal mine in Kazakhstan this year, after five miners died in an accident at a mine in the same area in August. ArcelorMittal's operations in the resource-rich Central Asian country have been frequently accused by authorities of flouting safety and environmental regulations.
Since 2006, according to Kazakhastan figures, more than 100 people have died at the ArcelorMittal mine.
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