Rescue Operation Underway Following Mine Tremor in Bytom

A rescue operation is currently underway at a private mine in Bytom, Poland, where one miner remains trapped underground following a powerful seismic tremor that occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

Rescue Efforts and Status

At 9:00 PM, seismic risk levels decreased, allowing a rescue team to penetrate the affected area. Rescuers are advancing toward the mine face, where the missing miner was last sighted by colleagues approximately 20 to 25 meters away.

The tunnel sustained deformation from the tremor, causing a reduction in its cross-section. However, the path remains traversable, as eight other miners were able to evacuate the area on their own shortly after the incident.

Initial Incident and Medical Response

The tremor occurred 650 meters underground, involving nine workers. While eight miners escaped, contact with the final employee has not been established. Due to persistent seismic activity, rescue teams were initially confined to their base for several hours.

Emergency medical services evaluated three miners upon their arrival at the surface. Two were transported to the hospital with head and thigh injuries, though both are reported to be in good condition. A third miner returned home at his own request.

Mine Operations and Safety Context

The Eko-Plus mine, which employs nearly 400 people, has been operating since 2010 on the site of the former Powstańców Śląskich facility. Central Mining Rescue Station (CSRG) teams were deployed to the site shortly after 4:00 PM to manage the emergency.

Underground tremors are among the most common causes of mining accidents in Poland. Data from the State Mining Authority indicates that approximately 1,500 high-energy seismic events occur annually in Polish coal mines, usually resulting from the release of pressure in rock mass caused by coal extraction.