Soma Mine Disaster

Date: May 13, 2014 • Location: Soma, Turkey

The worst mining disaster in Turkish history took place when an explosion caused an underground mine fire at a coal mine in Soma, Manisa, leaving 301 people dead.

On 13 May 2014, a fire broke out at Eynez coal mine in Soma, Manisa, Turkey, killing 301 workers in the deadliest mining accident in the country's history. The mine was operated by Soma Kömür İşletmeleri A.Ş. under a contract with the state-owned Turkish Coal Operations Authority. There were 787 workers underground when the fire occurred near a shift change. Energy Minister Taner Yıldız said that most victims died of carbon monoxide poisoning. The search and rescue operation lasted 96 hours, and 486 workers survived.