Police Arrest 7 over Tkibuli Mine Incidents
Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) confirms that six people have been arrested regarding the death of miners in Mindeli mine, Tkibuli Municipality, on April 5, 2018 and one other person in connection to the death of two miners at a private coal mine on Jalaghania Street in Tkibuli on June 2, 2018.
“The investigation found that the detainees had violated the requirements of 'technical regulations on safety of coal mines' which prohibits carrying out works at the places where the safety rules are violated,” the MIA stated.
The investigation revealed that the Mindeli mine Director, Chief engineer, mine manager, coal district Head, his deputy and one assistant were well aware of the breach of safety rules at the site but still let the miners continue works there.
On April 5, six miners died and three were injured in Mindeli mine after the ceiling collapse.
As for the second incident at the private coal mine, two died from air failure while obtaining coal. The law enforcers detained one entrepreneur born in 1983. The detainee is accused of violating safety rules at his own coal mine, resulting in the death of two miners.
“Another investigation is underway in connection with the July 16, 2018, explosion at Mindeli mine under Article 240 Section 2 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which implies a violation of safety rules in mining, construction or other works,” the MIA stated.
The July 16 incident in Mindeli mine left four miners dead and six severely injured, after which Prime Minister Bakhtadze said the government will no longer put its citizens lives at risk and declared the mine would be closed.
By Thea Morrison
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