On October 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolences to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, expressing his sympathy regarding the tragic coal mine fire in Karaganda province, which resulted in dozens of casualties.
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| Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent condolences to the families of the miners who died on October 28 and declared a national day of mourning on October 29. (Source: Radio Free Europe) |
Immediately after the accident, President Putin sent a message of condolences to his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and requested that his condolences and support be conveyed to the families of the deceased miners.
Putin also wished the victims a speedy recovery. The message read: “Please accept our deepest condolences regarding the tragic consequences of the accident at the coal mine in Karaganda province… We hope to rescue the miners still trapped underground.”
According to the Karaganda Provincial Emergency Situations Department, as of the end of October 28 (local time), the bodies of 28 people who died had been found at the Kostenko mine, owned by ArcelorMittal Temirtau JSC.
According to confirmation from ArcelorMittal Temirtau, "Of the 252 miners, 208 have been brought out, 18 of whom are seeking medical assistance. 23 miners remain underground. The bodies of 28 miners have been recovered. Rescue efforts are underway."
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev immediately ordered a halt to investment cooperation with ArcelorMittal Temirtau, Kazakhstan's largest mining company, which is funded by India's ArcelorMittal Group. President Tokayev also declared a national day of mourning on October 29th.
This is the second fatal accident at the ArcelorMittal mine in Kazakhstan this year, following the deaths of five miners in an accident at a mine in the same area in August. ArcelorMittal's operations in this resource-rich Central Asian country have frequently been accused by authorities of disregarding safety and environmental regulations.
Since 2006, according to Kazakhstan's figures, more than 100 people have died at the ArcelorMittal mine.
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