Mine blast in northern Turkey kills 14: Minister

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - An explosion took place at a coal mine in Turkey’s northern province of Bartin late Friday, resulting in the death of 14 people and the injury of 21 others, according to the interior minister.

The blast occurred at a depth of 300 metres inside a coal mine in Bartin province’s Amasra district.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu told reporters that 14 people died and 21 others were injured in the explosion, adding that 49 remain trapped. 

The cause of the explosion was initially unknown but Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) later said it was caused by a transformer. 

An investigation has been into the incident and a large number of rescue teams have been dispatched. 

The mine quarry is affiliated to the state-owned Turkish Hard Coal Enterprises (TTK). 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a tweet that he had cancelled his Saturday's trip to Amed (Diyarbakir) province and would visit the incident area instead. 

 

Updated at 11:45pm