On August 10, 2009 a tragedy in Handlova coal mine (Central Slovakia) killed 20 miners, preliminary data reports. The rescuers found six bodies, other 14 missing miners were at 314m underground and also presumed dead. Slovakian Economy Minister Lubomir Jahnatek confirmed the miners’ death at the moment of explosion. The blast was caused by gases left over from imperfect combustion.

The Handlova coal mine belongs to Prievidza Hornonitrianske mining company. Annual mining makes 300.000 ton, ITAR-TASS reports.