Explosion in German mine traps up to 30 people underground – reports

BERLIN, 08 Nov. - (ANA) - An underground explosion at a potash mine in Teutschenthal in central Germany has injured two people and left up to 30 trapped underground, local police say. A major rescue operation is underway.

The explosion at the facility in the state of Saxony-Anhalt was first reported at around 9 am on Friday. The trapped workers are reportedly safe in a shelter area of the mine, which is located at the depth of some 700 meters. The shelter has emergency supplies of oxygen, affording rescuers a window of opportunity to reach the workers.

The explosion happened deep underground, most likely due to a methane gas leak forming a flammable mixture in the shaft. Residents of Teutschenthal said they didn’t known anything had happened until sirens went off at the mine.

Teutschenthal is a relatively small municipality of about 13,000 residents. Its mining industry dates back to the mid-19th century and has been a major producer of potash for some eight decades. The mine was shut down in 1982 but was later rebuilt and opened again; it currently provides employment for around 100.  - (ANA) -

AB/ANA/08 November 2019 - - -