Mine Director Sergey Makhrakov Charged in Tragic Explosion That Claimed 51 Lives, Pleads Not Guilty

The Kemerovo court has placed Sergey Makhrakov, the director of the "Listvyazhnaya" mine, in custody for two months in connection with a tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of 51 people, as reported by RIA Novosti.

“The court has decided to detain the accused, Sergey Ivanovich Markov, for two months until January 25, 2022,” said the judge.

On November 25, Makhrakov, his first deputy Andrey Molostvov, and site manager Sergey Gerasimenok were arrested. According to the investigation, they allowed violations of industrial safety regulations.

It is recalled that on the morning of November 25, a collapse occurred at the "Listvyazhnaya" mine, where 285 individuals were present. Most were able to evacuate, while rescuers arrived to assist the remaining personnel. However, they were later called back due to a threat of explosion.

As a result of this tragedy, 51 individuals lost their lives, including 46 miners and 5 rescuers. Preliminary data indicates that the cause of the accident was a methane explosion.

Mine director Sergey Makhrakov, who is accused of violating safety regulations in connection with the explosion, has pleaded not guilty.