Methane explosion in Polish mine leaves 10 injured, evacuation underway

A methane explosion shook the "Knurow-Szigłowice" mine in Poland's Silesian province, leaving 10 miners injured.

The incident, reported by Alexander Chowaniec, deputy head of the Supreme Mining Administration, has prompted an extensive rescue operation.

“There were 44 people in the methane ignition zone. All of them were removed from the danger area,” Chowaniec told Polish television, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media sources.

He confirmed that 10 miners sustained burns and noted that evacuation efforts are ongoing to bring workers safely to the surface.

An air rescue unit was dispatched to the scene, providing critical medical assistance and facilitating the evacuation process. The extent of the injuries and the overall damage caused by the explosion remain under assessment.

This tragic incident adds to a troubling series of mining accidents in Poland in recent years. In November 2023, four miners lost their lives following an underground accident in Jaworzno, occurring at a depth of approximately 500 meters. In July 2024, a collapse at the Rydultowy mine trapped 78 workers; while 76 were rescued, two fatalities were recorded.

Mining safety in Poland has come under increased scrutiny as authorities and industry leaders strive to address the inherent risks faced by workers. The cause of today’s methane explosion is under investigation, with rescue teams and safety experts on-site to mitigate further risks.

Updates on the situation and the condition of the injured miners are expected as operations continue.

By Tamilla Hasanova