Georgian President Calls for Stricter Labor Law after 6 Die in Tkibuli Mine

The President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili stated that the accident in Tkibuli coal mine on Thursday, that left 6 dead and 3 injured, once again demonstrated that the efforts of the whole society and the government, should be directed to stricter control of the enforcement of labor safety rules.

"In this difficult moment, I express my sympathy to the families of the victims. This disaster proves that the situation of labor safety is dramatically hard and unacceptable. It is impossible the state and society to put up with this situation in the workplaces,” Margvelashvili stated.

Georgia’s Parliament Speaker, Irakli Kobakhidze noted that amendments have been made to the constitution regarding labor safety and relevant initiatives should be prepared for the improvement of labor standards in Georgia. 

"I want to express my sorrow over the death of people in Tkibuli Mindeli mine. We are talking about legislation very sharp measures are to be taken in order to prevent such tragic accidents in the future," said the speaker.

Giorgi Kvirikashvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia, offered condolences to the families of the deceased and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

All relevant state services are working to take the bodies of the deceased out of the mine in the shortest possible terms. The injured are being properly treated," reads the statement of the PM.

Georgia’s First Vice-Premier and the Minister of Economy, Dimitry Kumsishvili arrived at the site and visited the injured workers in the hospital.

Kumsishvili offered his condolences to the family members of the victims and noted that the state will do everything to help the families.

"I want to express my condolences to the families who have lost their children, brothers, fathers. We will do our best to help the families of the victims", he said. 

The accident happened in Mindeli mine, Tkibuli at 4am today. According to the Interior Ministry, an investigation has been launched into the case 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 offense envisages up to 5 years of imprisonment.

By Thea Morrison

Related stories:

6 Workers Reported Dead, 3 Injured in Georgia’s Mindeli Mine

Worker Dies in Chiatura’s Shukruti Mine

One Miner Dies Due to “Breach of Safety Norms” in Tkibuli

4 Die in Tkibuli Coal Mine Accident