Rescue operations concluded after a Monday shock at Knurów mine. Teams recovered the body of a miner following an exceptionally difficult operation.
Searches at the Knurów Mine
Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa announced on Tuesday, August 12, that “after several hours of rescue action, rescuers reached the sought miner” at the Knurów‑Szczygłowice mine. It turned out the man was already deceased. The 40‑year‑old had worked in the mine for two years as a JSW Szkolenie i Górnictwo employee. JSW wrote, “Employees, Management and the Supervisory Board extend deep condolences to the miner’s family, close relatives and colleagues.” Adam Rozmus from JSW said a crash commission was appointed to investigate causes and circumstances.
Shock at Knurów Mine
According to PAP, at 21:26 on Monday a strong shock struck near nine miners. Eight of them evacuated the site on their own and were later transported to hospitals with abrasions, bruises, and back pains. One miner lost contact. A 22‑hour rescue operation began, involving 26 rescue teams from JSW SA mines and the Central Rescue Station in Bytom.
Difficult Rescue Operation
Rescuers did not have to drill through collapsed rock, as the shock did not damage the shaft. But methane posed a hazard, reaching concentrations of 70% in places, with 10‑15% threatening explosion. Rescuers had to restore oxygen supply to enlarge a ventilated corridor and move forward. “Until a vision may be held tomorrow, involving mining supervisory bodies, the site is sealed and entry is forbidden,” Adam Rozmus told TVN24.
Seismic Activity in Mines
The Office of Mining informed that each year about 1.5 thousand shocks above magnitude 1.7 occur in Polish mines. Often they cause no negative effects. The most common cause is rock relaxation due to coal exploitation, releasing accumulated energy.
More information on mine accidents can be found in the article: “Tragedy in Lower Silesia Mine. The sought miner died.” https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/7,114883,32082924,tragedia-w-kopalni-na-dolnym-slasku-zmarl-poszukiwany-gornik.html
