16 July declared day of mourning due to fatal mine incident in Tkibuli

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze has declared July 16 a day of national mourning as four miners died and six others received severe injuries as a result of a methane explosion earlier this morning in Mindeli Mine of Tkbileuli region of western Georgia.

The national flag on every state building across the country will go down today for those who died during the tragic accident.

Earlier today Bakhtadze announced the closure of the Mindeli coal mine until the investigation is over.

I express my wholehearted condolences to the families of the victims in this difficult moment. The state cannot allow the 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.

The President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili sent his condolences to the families of the deceased miners and spoke about the importance of tougher labor law and high security standards on the workplace.

He stated that he welcomed the suspension of work in the Mindeli Mine. 

Out of the six injured, one was immediately transported to Tbilisi due to his burns.

A doctor from the Tkibuli hospital told the media shortly before three more patients had been sent to the Tbilisi Burn Centre as the condition of two was critical due to burns and bruises and the health condition of the third was critical as well.

For now only two miners remain in Tkibuli as they received light injuries, doctors say.

The Georgian Professional Union stated that this year alone 11 people have died in the mine and 10 received injuries.