2007 Zasyadko mine disaster
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 Location of Donetsk Oblast in Ukraine | |
 | |
| Date | November 18, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Location | Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine |
| Coordinates | 48°04′08″N 37°48′20″E / 48.06889°N 37.80556°E |
| Deaths | 101 |
The 2007 Zasyadko mine disaster was a mining accident that happened on November 18, 2007 at the Zasyadko coal mine (Ukrainian: Шахта ім. Засядько) in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk.
By November 30, 101 miners were reported dead:[1] the worst accident in Ukraine's history. At the time of the explosion, 457 miners were in the complex.[2][3]
A methane explosion occurred more than 1,000 metres (3,281 ft) below ground level.[4]
The Zasyadko Mine is considered one of the most dangerous coal mines in the world,[5] An independent mining expert recently[when?] claimed that the company management, linked to a powerful local clan, interferes with hazard-measuring equipment on a permanent basis, in order to present underground situation as being within the safety standards, and so to prevent production from closure by the government inspectors.[6] President Viktor Yushchenko blamed the cabinet for failing to “implement safe mining practices” in the coal industry.[4] A criminal investigation is also underway.[needs update]
Government reaction
Families of the deceased miners were to receive compensations totaling ₴100,000,[7] (approx. $20,000 USD) which constitutes part of the ₴15 million that the Government of Ukraine had set aside for renovation of the mine to prevent future accidents from happening.[8]
On November 19, 2007, President Viktor Yushchenko signed a decree that calls for investigation into Zasyadko mine disaster as well as prevention of such disasters in the future.[9] The President also signed a decree making November 20 a Day of National Mourning.[10]
