President Tokayev chairs meeting of operations staff

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting of the operations staff for the liquidation of the aftermath of ArcelorMittal Temirtau's Kostenko coal mine accident in Karaganda region, Kazinform Agency reports citing Akorda. 

252 people were in the mine at the moment of the accident. Of these, 206 climbed out by themselves. As of now, 10 units, 55 mine rescuers and 12 units of machinery are engaged in the rescue operation. Works are ongoing near the two mine areas. There are no visible fires burning. Work is to be continued round-the-clock, said Syrym Sharipkhanov, emergency minister of the country.

Kazakh PM Alikhan Smailov said that the government reached a preliminary agreement with the shareholders of ArcelorMittal Temirtau and the deal to transfer the ownership rights to Kazakhstan nears completion.

After the reports, the Kazakh President instructed to adopt all measures to eliminate the aftermath of the accident and rescue the mine workers as well as provide all-round support to the family members of those killed and to those suffered.