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The death toll from a fire at the Kostenko mine in Kazakhstan’s Karaganda Region on Saturday has risen to 28, local media reported citing the ministry of emergency situation.
The fire took place at around 2:33 a.m. local time when 252 people were inside. A total of 208 miners have been evacuated and search operation continues for those who are still unaccounted for.
According to Kazakh state media, the fire was presumably caused by a methane gas explosion occurred in the mine and a criminal investigation into the accident has been launched.
The ArcelorMittal Temirtau company, the local unit of the Luxembourg-based steelmaker which operates the mine, has a history of deadly disasters in Kazakhstan and is regularly accused of failing to respect safety and environmental regulations.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has visited the site and expressed condolences to the victims’ families and declared a national day of mourning on Sunday.
He also ordered his cabinet to stop cooperation with ArcelorMittal Temirtau.
(With input from agencies)
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