Collapse in private mining operation in Soma: 5 workers lost their lives, 9 suspects were arrested

The investigation initiated by the Soma Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the collapse that occurred in a private mining enterprise in Manisa's Soma district and in which 5 workers lost their lives is continuing.

3 public prosecutors were assigned to the investigation carried out under the coordination of the Soma Chief Public Prosecutor. Within the scope of the investigation, 9 suspects, including the general manager of the business, deputy general manager, study project manager, production manager, occupational health and safety manager, mechanical manager, shift supervisor and engineers, were detained. 9 suspects, whose procedures were completed at the gendarmerie, were sent to Soma Courthouse.

Among the suspects, who were referred to the criminal judgeship of peace on duty after their statements to the prosecutor's office, were the general manager of the enterprise, Y.B., the deputy general manager, A.E., the study project manager, İ.D., the production manager, K.L., the occupational health manager, M.B., the mechanical manager, H.T., and the shift supervisor, M.K. with engineers F.E. and R.O. was arrested.

On the other hand, in order to investigate all aspects of the collapse that occurred in the mine, an expert committee was appointed by the General Directorate of Mining and Petroleum Affairs of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, and a chief inspector was appointed by the Social Security Institution of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

7 MINERS WERE UNDERGROUND

The incident took place at around 13.15 on October 1, at the mining operation operating in Soma district. 7 miners were trapped underground in the collapse in the mine. Upon notice, AFAD, gendarmerie, 112 Emergency Health and Manisa Metropolitan Municipality fire brigade were dispatched to the region.

During the search and rescue efforts, 2 miners who were trapped under the rubble were rescued with injuries. As the work continued, the dead bodies of Halit Ersay (37), Kerim Ören (37), Ramazan İnce (26), İsa Olcay (48) and Ömer Karakaya (34) were found.