24 detained over Turkey coal mine disaster

Istanbul, May 18 (IANS) As any as 24 people, including coal mine executives, were detained in western Turkey Sunday as investigations continued into the causes of last week's tragic coal mine accident which claimed 301 lives, Xinhua reported.

The Soma Coal Mine Company's operating manager Ramazan Dogru and its chief engineer Akin Celik were among the detained company officials.

Prosecutors have sent five of the suspects to court, demanding their arrest, local report said.

The massive explosion in the Soma Coal Mine May 13 claimed 301 lives and is described as the worst mine accident in Turkey's history, according to Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz.

Most deaths in the accident were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

The entrance of the mine was closed with a brick wall after the authorities ordered an end to rescue works. Only inspectors and prosecutors investigating the accident were now allowed to enter the mine vicinity.

All mining activity was also halted upon orders by the Turkish Labour Inspection Board.