The 2009 Wujek-Śląsk mine blast occurred at the Wujek bituminous coal mine in Ruda Śląska, Poland on 18 September 2009. At least 20 miners were killed (12 died in coal mine, 8 in hospitals) and at least 37 more were hospitalised. It is the country's deadliest mining accident since the deaths of 23 miners from methane at the Silesia's Halemba mine in November 2006. [1] [2]
The incident happened approximately 1 kilometer below surface level. [2] Around 40 people were underground at the time of the blast. [3] Twenty-nine made it out themselves but the rest had to be assisted. [2] [4] Emergency services ferried the casualties to the nearest hospitals. [3] Eighteen were hospitalised at a burns specialist unit in Siemianowice Śląskie; six were hospitalised at Sosnowiec where family members collected outside in an upset manner. [3] Some of the deaths came quickly, whilst more did not die until some time later. [2] Deaths were caused by burns, some of 90 degree proportions, with burns sustained to the respiratory tract. [2] [3] Many will require psychological assistance as well if they are to fully recover from the incident. [3] Production was stopped but the rest of the mine remained in operation. [2] [4] The fire was quenched. [3] The probable cause is thought to be methane ignition. [2] [4]
An investigation into the incident was quickly launched. [3] Then- President of Poland Lech Kaczyński expressed his regrets: "On behalf of all Poles I convey the closest family members our sympathy and solidarity and join them in prayer and pain. I wish all the injured a quick return to health". [3] Polish Minister of Interior and Administration, Grzegorz Schetyna, alongside a deputy minister of economy, [4] greeted the families of those who died by visiting the region after the blast. [2] Two days of national mourning commenced at 06:00 on 21 September 2009; [1] flags were flown at half-mast. [1] Several pre-scheduled events were called off as result of the disaster. [1]
The 2009 Wujek-Śląsk mine blast occurred at the Wujek bituminous coal mine in Ruda Śląska, Poland on 18 September 2009. At least 20 miners were killed (12 died in coal mine, 8 in hospitals) and at least 37 more were hospitalised. It is the country's deadliest mining accident since the deaths of 23 miners from methane at the Silesia's Halemba mine in November 2006. [1] [2]
The incident happened approximately 1 kilometer below surface level. [2] Around 40 people were underground at the time of the blast. [3] Twenty-nine made it out themselves but the rest had to be assisted. [2] [4] Emergency services ferried the casualties to the nearest hospitals. [3] Eighteen were hospitalised at a burns specialist unit in Siemianowice Śląskie; six were hospitalised at Sosnowiec where family members collected outside in an upset manner. [3] Some of the deaths came quickly, whilst more did not die until some time later. [2] Deaths were caused by burns, some of 90 degree proportions, with burns sustained to the respiratory tract. [2] [3] Many will require psychological assistance as well if they are to fully recover from the incident. [3] Production was stopped but the rest of the mine remained in operation. [2] [4] The fire was quenched. [3] The probable cause is thought to be methane ignition. [2] [4]
An investigation into the incident was quickly launched. [3] Then- President of Poland Lech Kaczyński expressed his regrets: "On behalf of all Poles I convey the closest family members our sympathy and solidarity and join them in prayer and pain. I wish all the injured a quick return to health". [3] Polish Minister of Interior and Administration, Grzegorz Schetyna, alongside a deputy minister of economy, [4] greeted the families of those who died by visiting the region after the blast. [2] Two days of national mourning commenced at 06:00 on 21 September 2009; [1] flags were flown at half-mast. [1] Several pre-scheduled events were called off as result of the disaster. [1]