Kazakh PM visits miners injured in Karaganda mine blast, fire

Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov visited the miners injured in the fatal explosion at the Kostenko mine in Karaganda region, Kazinform News Agency reports. 

20 people who sustained injuries in the explosion and fire in the ArcelorMittal Temirtau mine are receiving treatment at the Makazhanov general hospital. Most of those injured were diagnosed with gas poisoning. Their condition is stable, non-life-threatening.

Prime Minister Smailov emphasized the injured miners should get all necessary medical assistance, wishing them speedy recovery.

The Premier expressed his condolences and promised the bereaved families will get assistance from the Government as instructed by the Head of State.

Recall that 33 miners were killed in the Saturday explosion and fire at the Kostenko mine. Search for 13 missing miners is underway.

Earlier President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev extended his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and declared a national day of mourning on Sunday, October 29. The Head of State also ordered the Government to halt investment cooperation with ArcelorMittal Temirtau and nationalize the company.