claimed that the company management, linked to a powerful local clan, interferes with hazard-measuring equipment on a permanent basis, in order to present underground situation as being within the safety standards, and so to prevent production from closure by the government inspectors.

[6] President Viktor Yushchenko blamed the cabinet for failing to “implement safe mining practices” in the coal industry.

$20,000 USD) which constitutes part of the ₴15 million that the Government of Ukraine had set aside for renovation of the mine to prevent future accidents from happening.

[10] Within the past decade, the frequency of mining accidents has increased in the Donbas coal region.

[12][13] Twelve days later, on December 1, 2007, at 5:55 local time another methane explosion happened in the same mine section injuring 52 miners.