On 22 January, a methane explosion rocked the Knurów-Szczygłowice mine , owned by Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa (JSW), located in southern Poland. The tragedy resulted in the death of one miner and serious injuries to 16 workers, while 44 employees were evacuated from the affected area in time.
Details of the methane explosion
Methane ignited in Wall XVII, Vein 405/1, at a depth of over 850 metres. The explosion caused an increase in fire concentrations, which increased the risk of fire in the mine. The situation required a rapid intervention by the rescue team , which managed to evacuate the workers and provide medical care to the injured. The injured were transported to specialist hospitals in Siemianowice Śląskie, Gliwice, Rybnik, Knurów and Kraków for further assessments.
Adam Rozmus, JSW’s vice chairman for technical and operational affairs, said they had launched a rescue operation that involved removing employees from the danger zone and treating the most injured at a medical point in the mine, while the next stage would focus on isolating the affected area.
Investigation and security measures underway
To mitigate the risk of a major fire, explosion-proof dams are being built to seal off the dangerous area. These structures, also called “explosion-proof plugs,” aim to completely isolate the affected area. The mine headquarters, together with the mine management, has delimited the danger zones and oversees the technical operations necessary to ensure safety.
The causes of the incident are being investigated by the State Mining Office, the District Mining Office and the National Labour Inspectorate, together with employers’ services. This analysis will be crucial to determine the conditions that led to the ignition of the methane and to prevent future similar accidents.
Human repercussions
Among the injured was a foreman with 17 years of experience at the mine, who unfortunately died at the Burn Treatment Centre in Siemianowice Śląskie due to his injuries. JSW expressed its condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased worker, stressing the company’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its staff.
The tragedy highlights the risks inherent in mining , a vital but dangerous industry. The mining community in Poland faces this challenge with solidarity and determination to ensure safer conditions in the future.
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Source and internal photo: Coal Mining Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa SA
Main photo: Shutterstock
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