UK Coal fined £50,000 for mine explosion

摘要

A formol coal mining company has admitted safety failings in relation to an explosion at a colliery in North Yorkshire, which led to the evacuation of more than 200 miners. Leeds Crown Court heard that a methane gas explosion took place in a deep mine at Kellingley Colliery on 23 November 2010. Nobody was injured in the explosion, but 218 miners had to be evacuated. The mine was operated by UK Coal Mining Ltd, which has subsequently ceased trading, and the incident was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Inspectors found that an explosive mixture of flammable gases had accumulated close to the area where miners were working because a safety curtain, which was designed to keep gases safely behind the coal face, was inadequately maintained.