Six workers rescued from Soma mine 18 hours after deadly explosion

MANİSA

A rescue worker, who has been trapped following a second explosion in the early hours of May 14, has also been pulled out from the Soma mine. DHA Photo

Six workers were pulled out in the morning of May 14 from the Soma mine facility in the province of Manisa, some 18 hours after the deadly explosion that killed at least 282 miners, Anadolu Agency reported. The Prime Minister’s Office has declared three days of national mourning on May 14 over the mining disaster.

Rescue works have continued throughout the night, while hopes for the hundreds who still remain trapped underground are diminishing.

The families and fellow miners who are waiting anxiously outside of the mine for their relatives received the rescued workers with applauses.

The workers were rushed to the hospitals after being pulled out of the mine by rescue teams.

The tragedy has sparked wide criticism across the country, drawing attention to the working conditions of miners, who mostly earn minimum-wage and have poor social security.

Union officials have slammed the government and the companies operating the mines for sacrificing security for higher profits and a reduction of costs, particularly by recruiting subcontractors.