Chinese Chairman Xi Jinping condoles over Karaganda region coal mine accident killing 45

Heads of foreign countries continue sending letters of condolences over the multiple casualties as a result of the coal mine explosion in Karaganda region addressed to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazinform Agency cites Akorda. 

Chinese Chairman Xi Jinping expressed his sincere condolences to his Kazakh counterpart Tokayev and the entire people of Kazakhstan over the tragedy.

I received the news about the accident at the mine in Kazakhstan’s Karaganda region leading to multiple casualties with deep sorrow. On behalf of the government and people of China as well as personally, I offer the sincerest condolences to the family members and close ones of those died, reads the letter.

Condolences and words of support were also conveyed by Presidents Rumen Radev of Bulgaria, Vahagn Khachaturyan of Armenia, CICA General Secretary Kairat Sarybai, and others.

An explosion occurred at 2:33am on October 28 in ArcelorMittal Temirtau's Kostenko coal mine in Karaganda region. 252 people were in the mine during the explosion, 205 of whom were taken to the surface.

The General Prosecutor's Office has launched a criminal investigation into the accident. According to ArcelorMittal Temirtau, there was a methane gas explosion in the lava in the mine, leading to the deaths of 45 mine workers. The search is underway for the body of one more miner.