Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili released a statement, offering condolences to the families of the miners, who died in the accident in the Georgian town of Tkibuli.
"It is hard to find words to express the sorrow I feel because of the tragedy that took place in Tkibuli. During these difficult moments, I stand by the families and friends of those working at the mince”, Agenda.ge cited Margvelashvili as saying.
He stressed that the current regulations of workplace safety and the quality of enforcing the labour code needs to be improved and efforts are needed from society, business and the government to this end.
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, who is on an official visit to the United States, also released a statement saying he stands with the families of the miners and pledged that the reason for the accident will be investigated.
Four miners died after a rope broke and a coal lift with four men inside fell from a height of 350 metres in the Mindeli coal mine in the Georgian town of Tkibuli.
The Interior Ministry has launched an investigation into the accident under Article 240 of the Georgian Criminal Code envisaging a 'breach of safety regulations during mining, construction or other works that result in death'.
