At least eight miners suffocated to death and around 20 others were injured after being exposed to methane during an accident at a coal mine in Serbia on Friday, officials said.
Mining minister Zorana Mihajlovic said the early morning accident near the southern town of Aleksinac was linked to an unexplained exposure to methane, despite initial reports saying that an explosion caused a mine shaft to collapse.
"There was no explosion. The increased concentration of methane was the cause... the miners suffocated," Mihajlovic told reporters while visiting the site.
Goran Vidic, who oversees the hospital in Aleksinac, told Serbia's public broadcaster RTS that 19 miners had been admitted to hospital -- three of them in a serious condition.
Two miners were also being treated in the nearby city of Nis, RTS reported.
At least 49 miners were believed to have been working in the mine at the time the accident, but all have been accounted for.
Investigators were combing the scene of the accident.
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic sent a message of condolence to the families of the victims, promising the authorities' help.
Miners have "one of the hardest professions in the world, which has always required people of a special kind," said Vucic.
Serbia's energy sector is heavily reliant on coal.
The Aleksinac mining basin has been the scene of similar tragedies in the past.
In November 1989, 91 miners were killed following a fire caused by human error. In 1983, 35 were killed in a methane blast.
The focus on developing autonomous vehicles follows the UAE government’s mission to make the country a testing hub
uae1 hour ago
With a focus on space-specific design and production, Juno SPA delivers tailor-made solutions for hotels, social facilities, and individual projects
kt network1 hour ago
The 17th Edition of the International Apparel and Textile Fair (IATF) Dubai: Celebrating unprecedented success as the premier B2B international fashion trade sourcing fair in the Mena region with 400+ exhibitors from 24+ countries
kt network1 hour ago
The initiative expects to reduce 100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2030, which is equivalent to planting 1.8 million trees
uae1 hour ago
Investment highlights Mubadala’s growing portfolio of renewable and clean energy companies
energy1 hour ago
Beyond academic rigour, Symbiosis fosters a vibrant student life replete with opportunities for personal growth and camaraderie, encompassing cultural events, sports, social initiatives, and service-learning projects
kt network2 hours ago
More than 30,000 people received infected blood and blood products in the 1970s and 1980s from National Health Service, destroying lives, dreams and families
europe2 hours ago