A devastating fire at the "Kazakhstanskaya" mine in Kazakhstan, owned by ArcelorMittal Temirtau, has led to tragic consequences, including loss of life and injuries on August 17. As the nation mourns the victims and the mining community reels from the incident, President Tokayev has taken decisive action, ordering a comprehensive investigation into the accident and calling for urgent measures to assist the victims and ensure the safety of personnel, The Astana Time reported.
Background
On August 17, a fire broke out on a conveyor belt within the "Kazakhstanskaya" mine, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives and injuries to several miners. The mine, which is owned by ArcelorMittal Temirtau, had 227 workers present at the time of the fire, of which 222 were successfully evacuated. The fire's cause remains under investigation, but initial reports indicate that it might have been triggered by an incorrect repair of the conveyor belt the day before.
Government response
President Tokayev, deeply saddened by the incident, immediately directed the government and the local authorities of the Karaganda region to conduct a thorough investigation into the fire. He emphasized the need to determine the exact causes of the accident, provide necessary support to the victims and their families, and ensure the safety of miners. The President's instructions also included negotiating with ArcelorMittal Temirtau's management to address safety concerns and prevent future accidents.
The frequency of accidents at enterprises owned by ArcelorMittal Temirtau has raised serious concerns among both the government and the public. The repeated incidents have led to speculation about potential violations of investment and safety obligations by the foreign company. Lawmakers have issued a joint statement, led by Yerlan Sairov on behalf of the Amanat faction, demanding that the government sever ties with the company's owner, Lakshmi Mittal, and hold the management of ArcelorMittal Temirtau accountable for the tragic incidents. They have urged the Prosecutor General to initiate action against the company's leadership.
Search and rescue efforts
In the wake of the fire, efforts are underway to locate and rescue any remaining miners trapped within the mine. A total of 12 rescue teams have been deployed to assist in the search and restore normal ventilation to the mine. However, challenges have emerged due to potential malfunctions in the self-rescuers of the miners, which are crucial in emergencies. A malfunction in the positioning system of the mine's rescue equipment further complicated rescue operations.
Ongoing investigation
The Kazakhstani authorities have initiated a criminal investigation under Part 3 of Article 277 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to violations of safety rules during mining or construction work. A specially created commission is also working to ascertain the extent to which the incorrect repair of the conveyor belt contributed to the fire. Additionally, the investigation is set to determine why the positioning system in the mine malfunctioned, leading to complications in rescue efforts.
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