The new government is again investigating the causes of accidents in Zasyadko mine in the Donetsk region, stated Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.
Speaking in Donetsk on Sunday before the families of those who perished in the mine, she criticized the conclusions and documents provided by the commission of previous government, which had investigated the accidents.
“The conclusions do not have a single word indicating real causes,” said Mrs. Tymoshenko.
Prime Minister noted that during her talks with numerous specialists in the coal field she found out that Zasyadko mine “has been exceeding work intensity” – by approximately three times. According to her, it leads “to insufficient degasification” of the mine.
She also spoke about inadequate mine danger detection equipment.
Mrs. Tymoshenko stated that the government intends to find out who had approved the plans and paces of sector development.
Prime Minister informed those present about formation of a new government commission to investigate the causes of the accident headed by first Vice Prime Minister Oleksandr Turchynov and about her intention to create a special technical commission on this issue.
“I want to bring every fact and every detail to the surface,” said Mrs. Tymoshenko.
According to previous reports, on November 18, 2007 the worst mine tragedy in all Ukraine's years of independence took place. As a result of a methane and air mix explosion 101 miners perished (one of them died in hospital), and ten bodies have still not been recovered.
On December 1 there was another explosion at the mine and 47 miners were hospitalized.
The third explosion occurred on December 2 during the installation of isolating crosspieces. Five mine rescue service workers perished as a result.
Source: Interfax-Ukraine
