Sparks from ventilation fan caused Argao coal mine explosion — DOE

Sparks upon switch-on of an underground ventilation fan caused the explosion inside the coal mine of Adlaon Energy Development Corporation in Bala-as, Argao that resulted in the death of a miner and injuries to three others last October 9, said the Department of Energy recently.

The DOE released the results of its investigation over the cause of the explosion that occurred at the underground level, about 90 meters from the mine entrance, where the victims were working for the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift.

The firm's mining contract area is located in Balas-as, some 15 kilometers from Argao town proper. It holds Coal Operating Contract No. 9 signed on March 14, 1978, the operation of which has a production capacity of about 15 metric tons daily.

After the explosion, the DOE suspended the mining operations there to facilitate rescue operations and investigation of the accident.

DOE said the mining firm has a mining engineer but, at the time of the accident, it was found out that there was no mining engineer detailed in the site to oversee mining conditions and supervise safety measures.

DOE said mining operators must strictly implement safety measures to avoid accidents. One of these measures is the installation of appropriate ventilation devices and equipment to supply the underground area with enough volume and quality of air.

Mine workers must be provided with adequate health and safety facilities, such as medical clinic, first aid gadgets, self-rescue respiratory device, and efficient communication and warning system for the mine operation, the DOE said.

Mining operators must also maintain sufficient and functional gas detectors to check accurately the accumulation of methane and other noxious gases in the mine, added the DOE in its report.

Five people were working at the site at the time of the explosion. One of them, 35-year-old Alfredo Sombilon of barangay Manlapay in Dalaguete town, three others were injured while one escaped unscathed.

The injured workers were Andres Balungcas, 42, Romulo Ortega, 42, and Roberto Dibulosad. They were taken to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. - Wenna A. Berondo/RAE