Two experienced miners, aged 40 and 41, were found dead in the Pniówek coal mine on Tuesday night, Dec. 23, after a methane and rock‑mass explosion, ending a nearly 30‑day rescue effort.
Death of Miners in Pniówek Mine
Vice President Adam Rozmus reported on Tuesday, Dec. 23, that two miners aged 40 and 41 were discovered and confirmed dead by a medical examination. The workers were veteran employees with extensive experience.
Cause and Context of the Accident
Preliminary assessments indicate that the fatalities were caused by a methane release accompanied by a rock‑mass. The incident is the 14th and 15th fatal accident in Polish mining this year, and the 11th and 12th in coal mines.
Company Response and Support
Rozmus announced that a special commission will investigate the causes and circumstances. He expressed the board’s sincere condolences to the families and thanked everyone involved in the rescue operation. The company will provide psychological and material support, including specific compensations as mandated by board resolutions.
Ministerial Condolences
Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka wrote: “With deep sorrow, I received the news of the tragic death of two miners in the Pniówek mine. I send sincerest condolences and support to the families, loved ones, and colleagues. May they rest in peace.”
Related Mining Fatalities
Additional information on mining incidents can be found in the article “Tragic End of Rescue Operations in Knurów Mine. Miner’s Body Found.”