On Wednesday, five people were killed and more than 20 injured in the first two methane gas explosions at the Pniowek mine. The first explosion was around 1 a.m. While two rescue teams were helping miners, a second explosion occurred.
On Thursday evening, there was a third methane gas explosion at the mine as rescuers attempted to install a ventilation pipe. Ten people were injured as a result. “It would be irresponsible to send rescue workers into the mine now,” said mining company owner Tomasz Cudny. Ventilation must be installed first and then the risk area must be isolated from the rest of the mine. According to the boss of the rescue workers, that could take months.