By Alishba I. Kassim
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

JAKARTA, Indonesia – A mine collapsed on Tuesday, triggered by a methane explosion, killed at least 28 people and injured several others on the island of Sumatra. However, the numbers continue to rise, and it is believed that 14 people are still trapped.

Seventeen others sustained serious burns in the explosion, and many of them are hospitalized. Rescuers from nearby cities of Sawahlunto and Solok have been dispatched and are trying to rescue those trapped.

A member of the Padang search and rescue team said, “We received reports of the collapsed mine around midday Tuesday. Thirty people are feared still in the mine when it collapsed, while the other nine have been pulled out.”

The current mine collapse is reminiscent of numerous others in Asia in the recent past. Several Asian countries continue to conduct dangerous mining with limited regard to safety. Last year China lost over 77 people in at least three mining accidents that occurred in July and September respectively. In a separate mine blast in 2007 China saw a death toll as high as 105 according to Chinese news sources.

Developing countries with extensive mining operations remain at a risk for fatal accidents. Perhaps the international community should strive for more stringent safety and precautionary requirements in order to curb the danger miners face when conducting such operations.

For more information, please see:

CNN – Indonesian Mine Explosion – June 16, 2009

United Press International – Indonesian Mine Tragedy – June 17, 2009

CNN – Mine Collapse in China – July 6, 2008

CNN – Deaths Rise in Indonesian Mine Collapse – July 17, 2009