Turkish Minister of Energy Taner Yildiz

(VOVworld) – Turkish Minister of Energy Taner Yildiz announced on May 17 that the country stops searching for victims of the mine disaster in Soma, western Turkey. He put the death toll at 301.

The Minister said a fire flared up outside the collapsed mine, which obstructed rescue efforts. He said an investigation into the cause of the incident will include technical and administrative inquiries. He added that any negligence on the part of officials or the company managing the mine will be punished.