A mining accident in northeastern Slovenia resulted in one fatality and two missing miners after water suddenly flooded a coal mine in Velenje on Monday evening.
While most miners were able to escape, three were trapped, with one confirmed dead. According to the mine’s general director, Marko Mavec, the chances of the two missing miners surviving are slim.
Rescue operations faced challenges due to mud and water accumulation inside the mine. The cause of the accident remains unknown. Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar has called for a thorough investigation to prevent future tragedies and improve miner safety.
Velenje’s coal is mined at depths exceeding 500 meters. Notably, a similar incident occurred in 2003, where two miners lost their lives.
