World extends condolences over deadly coal mine blast in Türkiye

By Gozde Bayar and Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – Türkiye received messages of condolence from around the world on Saturday over a coal mine blast that killed 40 people.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a condolence message to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan for those who lost their lives in the explosion in the mine quarry in the northern Bartin province.

According to a written statement from Kremlin, Putin said: "Please accept our deepest condolences regarding the tragic consequences of the accident that took place in the mining pit in Bartin.”

Putin conveyed his sadness and support to the families and relatives of the injured, wishing for a speedy recovery.

Ukrainian President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared a message of condolences for those who lost their lives due to the mine explosion in Türkiye.

"I learned with deep sadness the news that a mining explosion occurred in the Amasra district of Bartin. I offer my condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Zelenskyy said on Twitter in Turkish.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also sent a condolence message to Erdogan for the mine explosion.

Aliyev conveyed his condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives and also wished healing for the wounded.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif issued a message of condolence for those who lost their lives in the mine explosion. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families and the Turkish people. I wish the trapped people to be rescued as soon as possible,” Sharif added.

Erdogan said on Twitter that the efforts launched right after the incident in Bartin are still underway with the participation of a large number of corporations and the ministers in the actual field.

“The families and sons of our miner brothers and sisters we have lost are entrusted to us,” Erdogan said, adding: “Although we cannot compensate for the loss of life, and even if we cannot bring back our deceased brothers and sisters, we will not allow even the smallest victimization and take care of all these families.”

He underscored that Türkiye’s judicial authorities will investigate the incident from all aspects, and “will not leave even the slightest negligence unrequited.”