Mine explosion in Türkiye kills three and injures five

An explosion at a privately owned coal mine in Zonguldak province, Türkiye, killed three workers and injured five, according to later reports on Friday, October 23, 2026. The blast occurred at about 10 a.m. local time in the Kilimli district, near the town of Kilimli. The death toll rose from two as reports developed. Earlier, Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacibektasoglu said two miners had died after being taken to hospital, five were injured and rescuers were trying to reach another worker reported trapped underground. A later report said the third miner had also died. The supplied updates do not establish the eventual status of the worker initially reported trapped. Hacibektasoglu attributed the explosion to firedamp, a flammable gas. Other reporting described the gas as methane. The precise cause remains subject to an investigation, according to officials. The five injured workers were taken to hospital. Hacibektasoglu said two were in serious condition and were being taken to Ankara for treatment. Earlier accounts said the two seriously injured miners had suffered burns. Emergency, medical and fire crews were sent to the mine after the blast. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi...