12 dead in Poland mining accidents

Three miners who were hospitalized following the accidents in two mines in Poland have died, bringing the total number of casualties to 12.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki confirmed from the Bytom rescue station that two workers injured in the accident at the Borynia-Zofiowka mine last Saturday have died in what he called a "black week" for Polish mining.

News of the two deaths means that at least six miners died in the mine during Saturday's tremor and methane gas release. Rescue teams are still searching for four other missing miners, Local 10 News reported.

Morawiecki claimed that he would "immediately begin an investigation" to determine whether there were "unfortunate circumstances or negligence."

Separately, another miner who remained hospitalized at the Burn Treatment Center in Siemianowice Śląskie died overnight on Sunday, that medical unit said.

This latest victim joins the other five victims of the accident at another mine called Pniówek, owned by the Polish company JSW, which also owns the Borynia-Zofiowka mine.

Last Wednesday, a powerful explosion occurred at a depth of about 1,000 meters at the Pniówek mine. Four workers lost their lives at the time of the incident and another one the following day.

Three miners and a team of four rescuers have been missing for several days in an area they are trying to access through a tunnel.

Tomasz Cudny, president of the JSW company, reported Sunday night that rescue work is "proceeding according to plan" with about 200 meters left to complete the tunnel. The point where the missing are believed to be is expected to be reached on Wednesday.