At Least 51 Killed in Thursday Explosion at Listvyazhnaya Coal Mine
The explosion is the deadliest mining incident in Russia since 2010 when two methane explosions and fire killed 91 people according to Sky News
Pope Francis today expressed his condolences to the victims of Thursday’s mine explosion in Siberia that claimed at least 52 lives, including both miners and rescuers. The tragedy occurred at the Listvyazhnaya mine in the Kemerovo region.
The Pope’s condolences came in the following telegram to Russian President Vladimir Putin, signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin:
HIS EXCELLENCY VLADIMIR PUTIN, PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
HAVING LEARNED WITH SADNESS OF THE TRAGIC MINE EXPLOSION IN SIBERIA, HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS SENDS HIS CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND THE RUSSIAN PEOPLE. HE OFFERS THE ASSURANCE OF HIS PRAYERS FOR ALL WHO HAVE DIED AND FOR THOSE WHO MOURN THEIR LOSS. UPON ALL INVOLVED IN THE RECOVERY EFFORTS HIS HOLINESS INVOKES THE STRENGTH AND PEACE OF ALMIGHTY GOD.
CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN SECRETARY OF STATE
Signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the brief message assures its recipients of the Pontiff’s prayers for those who died and their loved ones.
President Vladimir Putin has offered his condolences to the victims’ families. The Kemerovo region has declared three days of mourning, while an investigation is underway into possible violations of workers’ safety conditions.
Officials say the mine’s director, along with two senior managers, have been detained.
