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A firedamp explosion at a private coal mine in Zonguldak’s Kilimli district killed three miners and injured five others, including two who were in serious condition.
All eight miners affected by the Zonguldak mine explosion have been reached, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said, as prosecutors and inspectors opened investigations.
The blast occurred at a mine in the Dereici area of Gelik, a town in the Kilimli district of Zonguldak, a major coal-mining region on Türkiye's Black Sea coast.
Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) and health and fire teams were dispatched to the area after the alert.
"We are saddened by the loss of three of our miner brothers in the accident at a mine in Zonguldak," Bayraktar said on X.
“All eight of our miners affected by the accident have been reached, and five of our miners have been rescued injured. I wish a speedy recovery to our miners whose treatment continues,” he said.
"I wish Allah's mercy on our miners who lost their lives, and patience and condolences to their grieving families, loved ones and co-workers. An expert panel has been assigned by our General Directorate of Mining and Petroleum Affairs and the necessary investigations have been launched to examine all aspects of the accident," he added.
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said prosecutors launched an urgent investigation.
"An urgent investigation has been launched by our Zonguldak Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office into the explosion caused by methane gas accumulation at a mining operation in Zonguldak’s Kilimli district, and one deputy chief public prosecutor and two public prosecutors have been assigned," Gurlek said on X.
At the time of his statement, Gurlek said initial findings showed two workers had died and five were rescued injured, with search efforts continuing for one more worker.
"I hope the search and rescue efforts conclude positively as soon as possible and our worker is reached safe and sound. May my Lord protect our country and nation from all kinds of accidents and disasters," he said.
Labor and Social Security Minister Vedat Isikhan said the Social Security Institution assigned a chief inspector.
"We are deeply saddened by the explosion at a mine in Zonguldak’s Kilimli district. I wish Allah's mercy on our worker brothers who lost their lives, condolences to their families and loved ones, and a speedy recovery to our injured," Isikhan said.
"A chief inspector has been assigned by our Social Security Institution to investigate the tragic incident. As the ministry, we are closely following the process," he said.
Firedamp is a flammable gas, mainly methane, that can accumulate in underground coal mines. When it mixes with air at an explosive concentration, a spark, electrical fault or open flame can trigger an explosion.
Methane is released naturally from coal seams during mining. If ventilation systems fail to remove the gas, it can build up to dangerous levels. Coal dust can also ignite and intensify an explosion, allowing the blast to spread through underground tunnels.
Methane becomes explosive when its concentration in air reaches roughly 5% to 15%. Mines use ventilation systems, gas detectors and methane drainage equipment to reduce the risk.
Firedamp explosions can be particularly dangerous underground, where the force of a blast can travel through narrow tunnels and fires or toxic gases can complicate rescue efforts.
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