Explosion in Tkibuli Mine Kills 4, Leaves 6 Injured: Shaft to Be Closed

A Monday morning explosion in Mindeli Mine, Tkibuli, left 4 miners dead and 6 severely injured.

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) stated that a methane explosion supposedly caused the collapse of the ceiling in the tunnel.

Prime Minister Bakhtadze has said the government will no longer put its citizens lives at risk and has declared the mine will be closed.

An investigation was launched under the second part of Article 240 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which implies a violation of safety rules in mining, construction or other works.

“The investigation has already started and all responsible people will be punished to the full extent of the law,” Bakhtadze noted. “The shaft will not resume work until the criminal investigation and technical expertise is complete.”

The injured miners were hospitalized and one was transferred to Tbilisi in a critical condition.

A previous explosion in the same Mindeli mine occurred in April 2018, when 6 died and 3 were injured.

Deputy Ministers of Economy, Genadi Arveladze and Giorgi Cherkezishvili, went to Tkibuli to inspect the site, offering their condolences to the families and injured miners.

The PM declared July 16 a Day of Mourning. The state flag was lowered on all administrative buildings on the territory of Georgia.

By Thea Morrison