Police detain 4 people in connection to Erzincan’s mine disaster

An investigation into Erzincan’s mine disaster leads to the detention of four, including the site supervisor, while rescue teams work to save nine trapped miners

Police Wednesday detained four individuals in connection to a tragic incident that took place at a gold mine in Erzincan’s Ilic district.

Nine workers were trapped under a landslide that took place around 2:00 p.m. Tuesday. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya described the landslide’s volume as approximately 10 million cubic meters, which moved about 800 meters at 10 meters per second along a 200-meter-high slope.

An investigation was launched immediately after the incident that led to the detention of four individuals, including the site supervisor.

“Sadly, our initial findings indicate that nine workers are trapped under the landslide. Our relentless search efforts continue to rescue them,” Yerlikaya confirmed.

Currently, 827 personnel, including Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), Search and Rescue Teams (JAK), Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), the General Directorate of Security, miners and members of civil society organizations, are engaged in the rescue operation.

The equipment includes 562 vehicles, five drones, two chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear vehicles, five metal-sensitive radar devices and five rescue dogs.

Mobile tracking systems and ground radars have been set up to monitor potential new landslides and detect people and vehicles under the rubble.

Scientists from various universities are working under AFAD’s coordination to analyze previous and current maps of the area to identify stable zones and install monitoring devices.

Additionally, satellite radar data is being examined to assess the area’s movements and identify potential risk zones. Some 40 generators and 40 lighting towers have been deployed in the region to sustain the search and rescue operations throughout the night.

Source: Newsroom