Posted on 08/12/2009 11:40:37 AM PDT by lizol
Slovakia mourns 20 killed in coal mine blast, fire
(AP) BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Slovakia is observing a day of mourning for 20 fatal victims of a fire and explosion in a coal mine, one of the worst accidents in the country's history.
Rescue officials have recovered 18 bodies from the Handlova mine in central Slovakia and say they are certain that the two missing miners are also dead.
Flags are flying at half-staff across the country Wednesday, and radio and television stations have canceled broadcasts of any entertainment programs.
The explosion, caused by gases released in the fire, trapped the miners in a shaft about 330 meters (1,100 feet) below the surface Monday.
The victims were nine miners who initially battled the blaze and 11 reinforcements sent as the fire grew.
(Excerpt) Read more at google.com ...
RIP.
prayers for the families.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.