All those responsible for Kostenko coalmine accident to be punished – Prime Minister Smailov

Commenting on the tragic accident at the Kostenko coalmine, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov said that all those responsible will be punished. He also said that the government is aware of its responsibility and apologizes to the families of the deceased and injured miners, Kazinform News Agency reports.

All those responsible for Kostenko coalmine accident to be punished – Prime Minister Smailov
Photo: shutterstock.com.

An appropriate investigation is being carried out. All those responsible will be brought to justice. You remember the tragedy which occurred last November, when four miners died. The investigation of that incident has already been completed. The case materials are being reviewed by the defendants and will soon be submitted to the court. Another tragedy killed five miners in August. The investigation is currently underway. The last accident will also be thoroughly investigated, and all those responsible will be brought to justice, Alikhan Smailov said to mass media after the Majilis' plenary session on Wednesday.

We, as the government, are aware of our responsibility in these tragedies. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my condolences to the bereaved families and families of injured miners and apologize. We all bear responsibility [in these incidents] in a way. Our task is to ensure timely transfer of this company back into Kazakhstan's hands, ensure its stable operation, preserve wages and jobs and fulfill all social commitments, he noted.

As reported, 46 miners died as a result of the blast, which occurred in ArcelorMittal Temirtau's Kostenko coal mine in Karaganda region on October 28. 252 people were in the mine at the moment of the blast, of whom 205 were evacuated and taken to safety.

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