RUDA ŚLĄSKA — 2006 · Major Tragedy
The Halemba Mine Disaster
On the afternoon of 21 November 2006 an explosion of methane and coal dust struck the Halemba coal mine in Ruda Śląska at a depth of about 1,030 metres, killing 23 miners. The men had been sent down to recover valuable equipment from galleries closed that spring because of dangerous gas levels; some were contractors' employees. It was Poland's worst mining accident in nearly three decades, and three days of national mourning were declared. After a lengthy trial, the mine's former director and the head of its ventilation department were sentenced in 2021 to two years in prison.
- Date
- 2006
- Place
- Silesia, Poland, Ruda Śląska, PL
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 50.2400, 18.8700 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 21 November 2006A methane and coal-dust explosion occurred 1,030 metres underground.
- 23-25 November 2006The president declared three days of national mourning.
- Following yearsMine managers were tried for negligence.
- April 2021The former director and ventilation chief received prison sentences.
Sources
- Wikipedia — 2006 Halemba Coal Mine disaster en.wikipedia.org ↗
- Notes from Poland — Mine managers imprisoned 15 years after disaster notesfrompoland.com ↗
- Wikipedia
- Notes from Poland
- IndustriALL
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.