You're reading: Poor engineering solutions likely cause of Krasnokutska mine accident, says ministry

The accident at Krasnokutska coal mine run by Donbasantratsyt in Luhansk region could be a result of poor engineering solution and lack of labor discipline, the press service of the Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine has reported.

"According to preliminary data, the accident occurred due to improper engineering solution, which resulted in an unstable system of ventilation, as well as because of a lack of labor discipline at the mine," the report says.

Energy and Coal Industry Minister Yuriy Boiko suspended the mine’s director from his duties until the investigation commission comes draws their conclusion. Besides, the deputy chief safety engineer was dismissed.

A total of 23 miners were injured – four seriously – as a result of the methane blast in the Krasnokutska coalmine in the town of Krasny Luch, Luhansk region, on August 4. Some 19 miners have moderate to severe injuries. One of the miners died in hospital in the evening on August 4.