Kazakh leader declares October 29 day of mourning for Karaganda mine blast victims

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced October 29 as a day of national mourning for the victims of a mine accident in Karaganda.

"Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with families and relatives of miners killed in the tragedy and expressed condolences. The President emphasised that the circumstances of the accident will be clarified and the necessary assistance will be provided to rescue the miners, as well as to the families of the injured and dead. The President noted that  October 29 would be declared a day of national mourning," the press service of the head of state said, Caliber.Az reports.

At the time of the accident, 252 people were in the Kostenko mine. 208 people were brought to the surface, 18 of them sought medical help. According to the latest information from the Karaganda Region Emergency Department, the bodies of 22 dead have now been found, and the search for the others continues.